A convicted film set gunsmith has been denied immunity to testify in Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter trial for the shooting death of a cinematographer on the set of Rust, a judge ruled.
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed He was jailed in April for her role in the filming of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who died during a rehearsal on the set of the New Mexico western in 2021.
Baldwin He pointed a prop gun at Hutchins, 42, when the revolver went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.
The actor stated that he pressed the hammer of the gun, but not the trigger.
Halyna Hutchins. Photo: Shutterstock
Prosecutors had requested that Rust’s chief weapons supervisor, Gutierrez-Reed, be granted so-called use immunity, which would prevent them from using anything she says at Baldwin’s trial, which is scheduled to begin in July, in her against.
His lawyer said he does not want to incriminate himself as he appeals his 18-month prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter and another unrelated weapons case he faces.
She was found guilty of criminal negligence for mistakenly loading a live bullet into the gun Baldwin was using.
Photo: Reuters
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Prosecutor Kari Morrissey said at today’s hearing that she may still call Gutierrez-Reed to testify at Baldwin’s trial in July, calling her “an incredibly important witness.”
However, the judge said it was clear from preliminary interviews and arguments by Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys that she would not answer questions on the stand, with or without immunity.
In interviews before the trial, Gutiérrez-Reed claimed his constitutional right to remain silent.
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Baldwin pleaded not guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison.
Prosecutors are trying to show that Baldwin was negligent in using the revolver.
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