The ‘Rust’ prosecutor offered “favorable treatment” to the gunsmith if he provided information

The public prosecutor in charge of investigating the case of rustthe film in which he starred Alec Baldwinwould offer “preferential treatment” to the film’s gunsmith, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, if she provided information useful to the lawsuit, according to reports Variety.

Currently the gunsmith is the only one accused of the “manslaughter” of the director of photography Halyna Hutchins, who died after being shot by Alec Baldwin while they were preparing a scene during filming. The gun loaded by Gutierrez-Reed was supposed to contain only fake bullets.

In the agreement that prosecutor Kari Morrissey sent to the gunsmith’s lawyers, the official promises him a “favorable resolution” of the case if he helps explain how the bullet that ended Hutchins’ life arrived on the movie set in October 2021.

“I respect your right not to provide such information and to remain silent. However, if you were to do so and answer some of these questions plaguing the victims in this case, “It would be very helpful to get a favorable resolution.”the prosecutor notified Gutierrez-Reed’s defense via email.

In the statement, Morrissey added that if the defendant decides not to cooperate, “additional charges will be filed against her.” One of Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyers, Jason Bowles, said he believes it This proposal is a direct threat from the prosecutor and argued that this goes against his client’s “right not to incriminate himself”.

A few months ago, they reportedly offered the same deal to the film’s security protocol manager, believing he too might have “some idea” about how the bullet got onto the set.

Alec Baldwin will not participate in this trial, because the crimes he was accused of were dismissed in April last year. However, a few months ago, the prosecution reported that “additional facts” have come to light that once again incriminate the actor. Since then, no charges have been formally filed against Baldwin.

Since the incident occurred in 2021, investigators have been unable to determine where the cartridges came from and why they were on the set. During the initial search, after finding several bullets, Gutierrez-Reed was asked where they came from and he stated that he “had no idea.”

New charges against him

Recently, Gutierrez-Reed was accused of carrying a firearm into a bar in Santa Fe, the city where the shooting was taking place. rust, ten days after the accident that ended Hutchins’ life. The gunsmith’s lawyers try to deny the accusation and believe it is a “retaliation” on the part of the prosecution.

“That accusation was designed solely to pressure Ms. Gutierrez-Reed into waiving her right to remain silent,” Jason Bowles wrote in response to the accusations.

Additionally, the attorney added that prosecutor Morrissey “does not have the authority to file charges unrelated to the shooting.” This is because his salary is paid with a specific allowance by the State of New Mexico, which limits its jurisdiction exclusively to the case rust.

Gutierrez-Reed will stand trial Feb. 21 for “manslaughter” and “tampering with evidence” in Santa Fe court and, if convicted, could be sentenced to up to three years in prison.