SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – The State is pushing back against the “Rust” armorer’s request to be let out of jail after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the deadly movie set shooting.
Hannah Gutierrez is requesting a conditional discharge, but the State said jail call logs show she has committed other felonies in the state and should remain in jail.
Hannah Gutierrez’s lawyers filed a sentencing memorandum, saying she has undergone “undue hardship” from media coverage of a high-profile death, but the State said Gutierrez has yet to show any remorse or take responsibility for her involvement in the shooting.
Last month, Hannah Gutierrez, who was in charge of weapons on the “Rust” movie set in 2021 was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. This after a prop gun unknowingly loaded with live bullets went off on set, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Right after the court hearing in March, Gutierrez’s lawyers spoke out against the ruling.
“We’re obviously disappointed in the verdict. We are disappointed in a lot of things that happened in that courtroom. We plan to appeal. We believe we’ve got a number of issues that we will be asserting,” said Defense Attorney Jason Bowles.
Now, Gutierrez’s lawyers are asking for leniency in her sentencing scheduled for Monday, asking for a conditional discharge, meaning she would be let out of jail and put on probation. In a response to the motion, the State said Gutierrez continues to blame others for the cinematographer’s death.
The document said the request should be denied since Gutierrez has committed other crimes in New Mexico, like intentionally hiding a semi-automatic pistol from security at a local bar and making a video mocking the situation. They also point to jail call summaries that claim Gutierrez blames the movie set medic for inadequate care. Other jail calls allege Guiterrez was in possession of alcohol during the trial and compared jail to a forced vacation, including telling others she enjoys jail on some days.
Story continues below
Trending: KRQE News Special: The Albuquerque Police Department’s DWI Dismissal Scandal
Community: Old Town bar owner frustrated after repeat burglary offender released
Crime: APD: Suspect grabbed officer’s rifle before police shooting
KRQE Cares: Donate to KRQE Cares Shoes for Kids online
It said Gutierrez called jury members ‘idiots’ and spoke to her mom about writing a book on her experience. Prosecutors alleged in one call, Gutierrez said, “people have accidents, and people die. It’s an unfortunate part of life, but it doesn’t mean she should be in jail.”
The State is requesting the courts sentence Gutierrez to 18 months in jail. Gutierrez is expected in court Monday morning. Meanwhile, Alec Baldwin’s trial on his involuntary manslaughter charge in the “Rust” case is set to begin on July 10.
