The trial of Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who is charged in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, has been postponed until next year. The trial, initially scheduled for December 2023, will now take place from February 21 to March 6, 2024. The delay is due to scheduling issues related to the number of witnesses who need to be interviewed, according to Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney.
Rust Criminal Trial Gets Delayed to 2024
The incident occurred in October 2021 when actor Alec Baldwin accidentally discharged a prop gun that was loaded with a live round. Hutchins was tragically killed in the shooting. Initially, both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were charged with felony involuntary manslaughter. However, the charges were later modified to reflect new gun laws enacted after the incident.
Earlier this year, two new special prosecutors were assigned to the case. They ultimately dropped the manslaughter charges against Baldwin entirely. Gutierrez-Reed now faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering and has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, she could face up to three years in prison.
In addition to the criminal trial, Baldwin and El Dorado Pictures, the producers of the film Rust, are also facing a civil case brought by crew members Ross Addiego, Doran Curtin, and Reese Price. The lawsuit accuses Baldwin and the producers of “negligent and reckless conduct.” Baldwin’s attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss the case and have requested a stay until the criminal trial is completed.
Overall, the trial of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been postponed to February 2024 due to scheduling conflicts related to witness interviews. Gutierrez-Reed is facing charges in the accidental shooting death of Halyna Hutchins, which occurred during the filming of Rust. Alec Baldwin, who discharged the prop gun, had the manslaughter charges against him dropped. Both Baldwin and the film’s producers are also facing a civil case, which they are seeking to have dismissed and stayed until the conclusion of the criminal trial.
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