Judge in ‘Rust’ case orders armorer to stay in jail amid appeals process

A New Mexico judge denied a request by the “Rust” movie set armorer for a new trial Friday, after she was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 fatal shooting of the Western film’s cinematographer.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer also ordered armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to remain in custody through her appeals process, according to the The Associated Press. She was convicted earlier this month for the shooting, which occurred on set on the outskirts of Santa Fe, N.M.

Her sentencing could come as early as April 15, per the AP.

Actor Alec Baldwin, who pointed the loaded prop gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on set before it went off and killed her, was indicted earlier this year by a grand jury and his trial is scheduled for July. Baldwin pleaded not guilty, and argued that he did not pull the trigger.

Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyers argued that she should be released while they appeal the conviction, citing that she was undergoing counseling and had not violated terms of the trial.

“She hasn’t done anything wrong,” her attorney said, the AP reported. “She’s not a danger or a flight risk.”

“Keep in mind there was a death that the jury determined was caused by her so I’m not releasing her,” the judge replied, shutting down the effort.

Prosecutors in the case criticized the armorer for not following gun safety measures and bringing live ammunition on the movie set.

Gutierrez-Reed is currently being held in a Santa Fe detention facility. Her sentence could carry up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

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