Hannah Gutierrez, the armorer on the film “RUST,” has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The Santa Fe County jury delivered a split verdict after less than three hours of deliberation on March 6. While Gutierrez was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, she was acquitted of tampering with evidence. She did not testify in her own defense during the trial.
In a statement to the court, Gutierrez expressed her sorrow, stating, “My heart aches for the Hutchins family and friends and colleagues.” Despite her plea to the judge for leniency, “please don’t give me more time,” she received the maximum sentence of 18 months in prison. The court also heard a statement emphasizing the need for accountability, suggesting that if prison time is the only way Gutierrez will face responsibility, “it should be for as long as the law allows.”
This case has highlighted the importance of safety and responsibility in film production settings.
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