During the highly publicized trial concerning the tragic incident on the set of the film Rust, text messages were revealed during the trial that Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer, had been using marijuana the night before the fatal accident that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The prosecution is emphasizing Gutierrez Reed’s alleged negligence and unprofessionalism as contributing factors to Hutchins’ death. 

Text exchanges displayed Gutierrez Reed’s intention to smoke marijuana. The prosecution is creating the case that this indicates an alleged lack of focus and responsibility around highly dangerous materials. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer permitted the introduction of select text messages, referencing drug use as relevant evidence in the case.

Gutierrez wrote in one text message sent on the night of October 20, 2021, “Right on, I might go smoke in the jacuzzi soon, but maybe not I’m so pooped.”

In another text message from the same night, Gutierrez wrote, “Headed down to get high out back:b.”

The alleged accident occurred on October 21, 2021, when Alec Baldwin allegedly discharged a live round instead of a dummy round. The set contained six live rounds, alongside numerous dummy rounds and blanks.

The prosecution presented evidence through photographs of the scene, depicting various types of rounds scattered across the set. Marissa Poppell, an evidence technician, testified to the discovery of live rounds mixed with dummy rounds. The defense argued that identifying live rounds was more complex than presented, pointing out discrepancies in some dummy rounds’ appearance.

The defense, in turn, sought to shift blame onto Seth Kenney, the ammunition supplier, alleging disorganization within his business. However, the prosecution maintained that Kenney was not responsible for the live rounds found on set, and thus not culpable in the tragedy.

Additionally, the defense raised concerns about potential evidence tampering and alleged collaboration between Kenney and investigators.

Gutierrez Reed faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering, with a possible prison sentence of up to three years if convicted.