THE gunman who loaded the gun that killed a cinematographer on the set of Alec Baldwin’s film “Rust” is scheduled to be sentenced Monday (15/4) United States time by a US court.
Hannah Gutierrez faces 18 months in prison after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the October 2021 death of Halyna Hutchins, during filming of the low-budget western.
Gutierrez’s 10-day trial heard how the 26-year-old woman was ultimately responsible for the presence of six live bullets on the set — in violation of standard film industry practice.
It was also heard he repeatedly failed to follow basic safety rules, leaving guns unattended and allowing actors – including Baldwin – to brandish weapons.
Hutchins was hit by a bullet fired from a Colt .45 revolver that Baldwin held for a scene inside a wooden church on set in New Mexico. Director Joel Souza was wounded by the same bullet.
Baldwin, who is also a producer on the film, faces his own manslaughter trial in July. He denied the accusations.
Also read: Filming on Rust continues this week.
If found guilty, he also faces up to 18 months in prison.
Dave Halls, the film’s safety coordinator and assistant director, who provided Baldwin with the loaded gun, agreed to a deal with prosecutors last year and was sentenced to six months probation.
The tragedy sent shockwaves through Hollywood and led to calls to ban the use of guns on film sets.
Despite this, industry experts insist that rules are in place to prevent such incidents, and that those working at “Rust” do not follow them. (AFP/Z-3)
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