Witnesses said the employee consumed large amounts of alcohol and marijuana after work and was hungover while handling guns on set, prosecutors say in court documents. Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney, Jason Bowles, spoke on Wednesday (local time) about damage to his reputation.
The prosecution is looking for a “scapegoat,” Bowles said in a statement made available to the German news agency. The prosecution has made so many mistakes and the case is so legally weak that the prosecution is now resorting to character assassination tactics.
During the filming of the western “Rust” in October 2021 on a film ranch in Santa Fe, Alec Baldwin – protagonist and producer at the same time – had used a gun during a rehearsal for a scene in which a shot was fired. Camerawoman Halyna Hutchins was shot dead. Gutierrez-Reed served as the gun master on set for guns and security. To this day it is unclear how the live ammunition ended up at the shooting location. There was a real bullet in the Colt.
In January, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were charged with involuntary manslaughter. Both denied any guilt. In April, the pending criminal case against Baldwin was dropped. The case raises too many questions, the special investigators admitted. Further investigation and forensic analyzes are needed. The actor could be sued again at a later date, the company said.
Gutierrez-Reed, meanwhile, remains in court. The next hearing is scheduled for early August. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
