Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, as confirmed by two sources in a Santa Fe, New Mexico, courtroom. The verdict came after the jury deliberated for two and a half hours, also declaring Gutierrez-Reed not guilty of tampering with evidence. Responding to the verdict, lawyers representing Hutchins' family expressed satisfaction, emphasizing their pursuit of accountability for her death.

Gutierrez-Reed, 26, was visibly calm as the verdict was read, and she was promptly remanded into custody by the judge, who cited the severity of the conviction. The sentencing is yet to be determined, with a potential penalty of up to three years in state prison. This marks a significant development in a case that has seen various twists, including Alec Baldwin's plea of not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges related to the incident.

Baldwin's legal proceedings have encountered complications, with a judge reassignment causing a delay in trial scheduling. Meanwhile, prosecutors have highlighted Gutierrez-Reed's alleged involvement with cocaine and her actions on the day of the fatal shooting. Amidst these legal battles, accusations have surfaced regarding Gutierrez-Reed's behavior on set, including claims of alcohol and drug use. As the investigations continue, the quest for truth and justice remains central to the ongoing proceedings surrounding this tragic event.

On the night of October 22, 2021, the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department confirmed to ET that Baldwin discharged a firearm used as a prop while filming his western drama, Rust, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch.

Following the incident, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, aged 42, was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, where she was later pronounced deceased. Additionally, director Joel Souza, aged 50, received immediate medical attention and was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, subsequently being discharged.

Baldwin was questioned by investigators at the Sheriff's Department and was photographed outside the facility, visibly emotional as he conversed with someone over the phone.

In an affidavit filed by the Santa Fe County’s Sheriff’s Office, it was revealed that assistant director Dave Halls inadvertently handed Alec Baldwin a weapon, assuring him it was safe to use, according to reports from The Associated Press and The New York Times. The affidavit also disclosed that Halls was unaware the prop gun contained live rounds. Evidence including the discharged weapon and Baldwin's blood-stained wardrobe were seized, though the exact number of rounds fired remains unknown.

Before the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the injury to director Joel Souza, Rust encountered several issues. Reports surfaced of union crew members walking off set due to unfavorable working conditions, and prior incidents involving prop guns malfunctioning were documented. Rust Movie Productions, LLC expressed commitment to safety and cooperation with authorities, initiating internal safety reviews amid the ongoing investigation.

Following the shooting, production on Rust was halted indefinitely as the cast and crew grappled with the aftermath. A memo from the production team conveyed condolences and emphasized collaboration with investigators. Notably, the team pledged support to Hutchins' family through donations to a scholarship fund in her honor.

Amidst the tragedy, scrutiny fell on assistant director Dave Halls, who had been previously implicated in safety-related complaints on other productions. Allegations of negligence and unprofessional conduct surfaced, underscoring broader concerns about on-set safety practices.

Firearms expert Steve Wolf clarified the nature of the weapon involved, dismissing the notion of a "prop gun" and highlighting safety lapses. Crew members' accounts of target practice with real ammunition raised questions about oversight and adherence to safety protocols.

Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who expressed deep remorse over the incident, denied responsibility for the presence of live rounds on set. Her legal representatives emphasized the absence of live ammunition in her possession and the broader safety lapses that compromised the production environment.

In his first public comments since the incident, Alec Baldwin conveyed grief over the loss of his friend and collaborator, Halyna Hutchins, refraining from further discussion due to the ongoing investigation. Assistant director Dave Halls echoed sentiments of shock and sadness, underscoring the need for industry-wide introspection and reform to prevent future tragedies.