As the trial approaches for the fatal shooting on the set of the film ‘Rust’, crew members have expressed worries about the alleged drug and alcohol use of armorer Hannah Gutierrez. Gutierrez is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence following the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Prosecutors have countered the defense’s motion to sever the tampering with evidence charge and exclude any mention of alleged drug use, possession, or intoxication from the trial by presenting evidence of Gutierrez’s alleged substance abuse during filming.
To demonstrate a history of reckless behavior, prosecutors have shared a text exchange between prop master Sarah Zachry and ammunition supplier Seth Kenney. The exchange reveals Zachry reporting that Gutierrez had allegedly blacked out and may have unknowingly brought live ammunition onto the set due to intoxication.
Witness testimonies have also revealed sightings of Gutierrez under the influence of marijuana in her hotel room while being in possession of ammunition intended for use on the movie set.
Prosecutors further allege that Gutierrez handed a bag, believed to contain cocaine, to another crew member after her interview at the police station.
Gutierrez’s attorney, Jason Bowles, argues that the state lacks the authority to prosecute her on the tampering with evidence charge. He disputes the substance in the bag, as it was never tested, and there is no evidence of Gutierrez using it on or off the set.
Bowles claims that prosecutors violated Gutierrez’s rights by disclosing her attorney-client communications to a third party. Text messages between Gutierrez and Bowles were reportedly shared with Kenney, violating attorney-client privilege.
Gutierrez was offered a plea agreement, which she declined. The investigation has produced significant evidence implicating her in bringing live ammunition onto the ‘Rust’ set.
Gutierrez’s attorneys argue that the firearm charge against her was driven by prosecutorial vindictiveness, with the intent to pressure her into providing information or face unrelated felony charges.
Prosecutor Kari Morrissey defends the plea offer, stating it is routine to resolve unindicted cases. Morrissey also asserts that there is substantial evidence supporting the three felony charges against Gutierrez.
There is no evidence linking ammunition supplier Seth Kenney to the live rounds on the ‘Rust’ set.
Alec Baldwin, also involved in the shooting, has been indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges, despite the initial dismissal of the case by special prosecutors.
Doubts have been raised about Gutierrez’s credibility as a witness against Baldwin, with concerns expressed about her reckless behavior and significant drug use.
Baldwin has entered a not guilty plea and waived his arraignment.
Jury selection for Gutierrez’s trial is set to begin on February 21, with the trial starting on February 22. Gutierrez has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with her defense anticipating a not guilty verdict. They argue that she had requested more firearms training on set but was denied.
