Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the tragic shooting incident on the set of “Rust,” has been released from prison. She was responsible for the firearms on set when a prop revolver fired a live round, resulting in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.
Gutierrez-Reed was released Friday morning, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the New Mexico Corrections Department. Her release took place in Arizona, close to the borders of Nevada and California, and she will be under dual supervision from both probation and parole authorities simultaneously. She is set to complete one year on parole in connection with the manslaughter case.
In addition to her manslaughter conviction, Gutierrez-Reed had a prior case involving the unlawful carrying of a firearm in a licensed liquor establishment, which has resulted in 18 months of probation. In March 2024, a New Mexico jury found her guilty of involuntary manslaughter while acquitting her of tampering with evidence. She was sentenced to the maximum of 18 months in prison, serving her time at the Western New Mexico Correctional Facility.
The conditions for her release included the requirement to serve at least 85% of her sentence due to the nature of her conviction, categorized as a serious violent offense. However, she received credits for good behavior and for completing phases of a residential addiction program, which contributed to a reduction in her overall time incarcerated.
During her trial, Gutierrez-Reed maintained her innocence. Special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey characterized her handling of firearms as negligent and careless. Joel Souza, the film’s director who was also injured in the incident, noted multiple failures in the management of firearms on set. The film, produced and starred by Alec Baldwin, faced significant delays due to the shooting incident, halting production for over two years.
Alec Baldwin faced involuntary manslaughter charges twice, but both instances resulted in the charges being dropped or dismissed, citing shortcomings in the handling of evidence by the prosecution.
While the circumstances surrounding the “Rust” shooting are tragic, Gutierrez-Reed’s release may signal an opportunity for her to rebuild her life and career. The completion of her sentence, along with the changes in her circumstances, could lead to a chance for reflection and growth after this difficult chapter.