New Mexico Judge Decides Fate of Movie Armorer’s Testimony in Alec Baldwin Case

In the sun-drenched landscape of Santa Fe, New Mexico, the drama isn’t confined to the silver screen. Actor Alec Baldwin is set to face a judge in the latest chapter of a real-life legal thriller. The spotlight will be on whether to compel Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the movie set armorer, to testify at Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial following the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal for the Western film “Rust.”

Gutierrez-Reed’s potential testimony could provide crucial insights into the safety protocols, or lack thereof, on the set of “Rust.” As Baldwin was both the lead actor and a co-producer, his role and responsibilities in maintaining gun safety protocols are under intense scrutiny. Special prosecutors Mari Morrissey and Erlinda Johnson have argued that the jury should hear all of Gutierrez-Reed’s information regarding Baldwin, whether it is beneficial or detrimental to his case. However, in a twist that could rival any movie plot, both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed are fighting this motion.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer will also address two defense requests during the hearing. The first argues that Baldwin had no reason to believe the gun could contain live ammunition. The second contends that the FBI’s forensic testing has rendered the gun too damaged to be properly examined for potential modifications that might clear Baldwin’s name. It’s a complex situation, further complicated by Baldwin’s assertion that he didn’t pull the trigger during the fatal rehearsal on October 21, 2021. Baldwin claims he pulled back the gun’s hammer, and it discharged when released, a scenario that experts have disputed, stating the gun would need to be struck with significant force to fire without the trigger being pulled.

Baldwin pleaded not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison. Despite Baldwin’s attempts to have the case dismissed, Judge Sommer previously ruled that the grand jury’s indictment was valid. The defense has contended that the gun may have been modified before the incident, and it’s worth noting that an earlier involuntary manslaughter charge was dropped after special prosecutors were informed about these potential modifications.

However, the special prosecutors later received new expert analysis on the gun and successfully indicted Baldwin once more. The case has not only captivated public attention but also raised important questions about safety protocols in the film industry and the responsibilities of those in charge.

As the drama unfolds in the courtroom, the tragic incident on the set of “Rust” continues to cast a long shadow. The legal intricacies are as intricate and compelling as any screenplay, and the outcome of Baldwin’s trial could have far-reaching implications for Hollywood and beyond. So, while the cameras may have stopped rolling on “Rust,” the real-life drama is far from over.