New Mexico Prosecutors to Call Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to Stand in Alec Baldwin Trial

The involuntary manslaughter trial of actor Alec Baldwin took an unexpected turn as “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is set to take the stand. Gutierrez-Reed, who is currently serving an 18-month sentence for her role in the shooting death of the film’s cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, has been transferred to Santa Fe for the trial.

Prosecutors declined to comment on Gutierrez-Reed’s upcoming testimony, but Baldwin, who held the gun that fired the fatal bullet, could face an 18-month sentence if convicted. Gutierrez-Reed had previously stated in a pretrial interview that she was unwilling to cooperate in Baldwin’s trial and did not want to testify.

Former New Mexico prosecutor Jennifer Burrill weighed in on the situation, noting that Gutierrez-Reed cannot plead the Fifth Amendment on every question during the trial. Gutierrez-Reed was charged with involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence in March, but was acquitted on the latter charge.

The prosecution plans to call several witnesses who were on set when the fatal shooting occurred, including assistant director Dave Halls, who pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon. Baldwin’s legal team has emphasized Halls’ responsibility in ensuring the gun was safe before it was handed to the actor.

As the trial unfolds, it remains unclear whether Baldwin will take the stand in his own defense. The trial is expected to last eight days, with closing arguments scheduled for July 19. Stay tuned for updates on this high-profile case.