The trial of Rust weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed revealed Friday that she texted she planned to “get high” the night before the on-set shooting that left the film’s cinematographer dead.
Gutierrez-Reed was the assigned armorer when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed in October 2021 while on Rust’s New Mexico set. She was in charge of checking the Pietta reproduction Colt .45 revolver for live rounds before handing it to actor Alec Baldwin, who was holding the weapon when it fired and hit Hutchins in the chest. Director Joel Souza was also injured, but no one involved was charged related to his injuries.
On Oct. 20, 2021, Gutierrez-Reed sent a text that read, “Heading down to get high out back,” followed up by a message half an hour later that read, “I’m still smoking.” No specific drug was mentioned.
Gutierrez-Reed never underwent a drug test in the days surrounding the shooting. Her lawyers argued any allegation she was under any drug influence is speculative.
Prosecutors suggested Gutierrez-Reed used marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol in the hours leading up to the shooting, impairing her ability to complete her on-set duty.
Baldwin has long attempted to separate himself from Gutierrez-Reed in a civil suit filed against both of them by script supervisor Mamie Mitchell. The actor filed a cross-complaint against Gutierrez-Reed, assistant director David Halls, prop supplier Seth Kenney, and prop master Sarah Zachry. In his suit, he claims not to have known that the gun carried live ammunition, as it is not the common practice on set to handle live weaponry.
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Halls notably signed a plea agreement after the New Mexico first district attorney charged him with negligent use of a deadly weapon. As a result, he now has a suspended sentence and faces six months of probation.
According to a statement from District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies’s office, involuntary manslaughter is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. Gutierrez-Reed is also facing a charge of tampering with evidence, which she has also pleaded not guilty to.
