Accident while filming a film
Deadly shot on the set of “Rust” – criminal trial against Alec Baldwin’s weapons master begins
Aerial view of Bonanza Creek Ranch with the set of the film “Rust”
© Jae C. Hong/AP/DPA
The shocking death of a camerawoman on a western film has legal repercussions. A young weapons master is now being tried. Hollywood star Alec Baldwin is also threatened with this.
Lead actor and producer Alec Baldwin (65), who used the weapon during rehearsals for a scene, is also charged with negligent homicide. The date for his trial has not yet been set. Both have repeatedly denied blame for the incident.
Camerawoman dies from a shot from a sharp weapon
In October 2021, the live shot went off on the set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico. Camerawoman Halyna Hutchins (42) was fatally hit by the projectile and director Joel Souza was injured in the shoulder. Even after a long investigation, there are many unanswered questions, such as how the live ammunition got onto the set and into the Colt. Gutierrez-Reed loaded the revolver, which was then handed to Baldwin.
Shortly after the incident, accusations and speculation were raised. Film crew members complained about negligence and a lack of safety on the set, and the inexperienced weapons master was overwhelmed.
Last June, prosecutors brought further allegations against Gutierrez-Reed into play. According to witness statements, she is said to have consumed alcohol and drugs after work. When she handled weapons on set during filming, she was probably hungover, the prosecution continued. She is also said to have passed cocaine on to someone in order to cover up possible evidence in the investigation. Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyer, Jason Bowles, spoke at the time of damage to his reputation. The public prosecutor’s office is looking for a “scapegoat.”
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Shot on the film set of “Rust”: Alec Baldwin also charged
Bowles failed in his efforts to have the case against his client dropped. A few days before the trial began, he told the German Press Agency: “We are happy that the trial is finally beginning. This was a tragic accident, triggered by a series of events, but Ms. Gutierrez-Reed did not commit any crime.”
The defense could call a number of witnesses in the trial, including the defendant’s father, Thell Reed, who is known in Hollywood as a stuntman and gun master. The court expects proceedings to take place by March 6th. At the start, a jury panel should be selected.