A New Mexico court has scheduled a trial window in December for the manslaughter case tied to the on set incident on Rust involving actor Alec Baldwin. The proceedings are set to begin with a trial on December 6. This development marks a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn wide attention across the film industry and the public, highlighting the safety protocols and legal accountability surrounding firearms on a movie set.
Gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez-Reid, aged 26, faces charges of manslaughter and falsifying evidence in connection with the shooting of cinematographer Galina Hutchins. Prosecutors contend that the incident occurred after Gutierrez-Reid prepared a firearm that discharged live ammunition. She now faces potential imprisonment of up to three years if convicted on the charges related to evidence tampering and the fatal shooting. The case has spotlighted the responsibilities of on set professionals who handle weapons and the standards of care expected to prevent such tragedies.
On the eve of a scheduled court date, Gutierrez-Reid reportedly filed a petition seeking innocence while also declining to attend a formal court hearing, a move that has sustained the legal narrative surrounding the case and its ongoing investigation. The petition and the absence at the hearing are part of broader procedural steps the defense is pursuing as the court works through the evidentiary record and witness testimony that could influence outcomes.
The individual at the center of the incident was Gutierrez-Reid, who served as the gunsmith on the production, a low budget Western titled Rust starring Alec Baldwin. The authorities allege that the weapon in question was a Colt .45 pistol that discharged during the scene, striking the camera operator. Investigators maintain that following the fatal event, Gutierrez-Reid provided material assistance to another person involved in the production to hinder the investigation and obscure evidence, a claim that underscores the severity of the charges filed.
The December trial period includes jury selection on December 5, with the trial scheduled to run from December 6 through December 15. The unfolding legal process will determine whether the actions of those involved with the firearm and the broader safety protocols on set meet the threshold of criminal responsibility under state law.
Previously, in October 2021, Baldwin faced substantial legal scrutiny after a live round was accidentally discharged during filming, resulting in the injury of the director and the death of the cinematographer. Baldwin was formally charged in relation to the incident, which has since influenced ongoing legal considerations and discussions about misfires, gun handling, and the accountability framework governing high risk productions. Gutierrez-Reid’s charges were formally brought in early 2023 and have seen subsequent developments during the legal process.
As the case advances, observers note its potential implications for safety standards within the film industry. The complex interplay of criminal charges, record keeping, and the responsibilities of crew members who manage firearms continues to shape industry practices and the expectations placed on productions to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The courtroom proceedings are expected to illuminate how these factors intersect with state criminal statutes and the standards used by prosecutors to pursue accountability in on set incidents.