In the newest development of the Rust lawsuit saga, the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. This isn't exactly favorable news for Baldwin, who also faces involuntary manslaughter charges. Reports suggest that Alec's legal team is feeling the pressure after this recent conviction.
Ultimately, the jury concluded that Gutierrez-Reed bore responsibility for the presence of a live bullet in the gun. Meanwhile, Baldwin finds himself implicated for pulling the trigger, contradicting his previous claims that the gun merely misfired.
From OK! Magazine:
The jury determined that Gutierrez-Reed was responsible for the firearm that discharged a live bullet during the filming. The prosecution emphasized the armorer's neglect of her duties, accusing her of failing to handle the weapons properly, which ultimately led to the fatal outcome.
Baldwin also faces involuntary manslaughter charges related to the tragedy, and the armorer's conviction is reportedly leaving his legal team "nervous."
A crucial revelation came from weapon experts commissioned by the prosecution, Lucien and Mike Haag, who concluded that for the gun to fire, Baldwin had to pull the trigger. This contradicts Baldwin's statement that he did not fire the weapon, raising further questions and complexities surrounding the case.
During Gutierrez-Reed's trial, testimonies from eyewitnesses, FBI and local authorities, as well as crew members present during the shooting, painted a vivid picture of the events that transpired on the set of Rust. Reports indicated that protocol breaches and safety oversights were prevalent throughout production, highlighting a lack of proper handling of firearms.
The court's ruling has put Gutierrez-Reed in a position where she now faces the possibility of up to 18 months in prison in addition to a fine of $5,000.
