Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' armorer loses in court, judge won't drop involuntary manslaughter charges

A judge ruled that charges against "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will not be dropped ahead of a preliminary hearing.

Gutierrez-Reed appeared in court virtually Tuesday, where her lawyer Jason Bowles argued that the charges against her should be dropped due to structural issues with the case along with statements made to the media.

The armorer was hit with involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering charges after handling a gun that fired on the set of "Rust." Actor Alec Baldwin had been holding the gun when it discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on Oct. 21, 2021.

Bowles argued the case against Gutierrez-Reed has "structural issues" and claimed the special prosecutors should have started their investigation over completely after the initial district attorney prosecuting the case stepped down.

Gutierrez-Reed's lawyer also argued that the prosecution has released statements to the media that have affected the armorer's right to a fair jury trial. One of the statements included was that his client was hungover during the day of the fatal shooting.

Meanwhile, the special prosecutors insisted Gutierrez-Reed is being "fairly prosecuted, appropriately prosecuted" for the crimes she's been accused of. The prosecution further claimed "all of the evidence" gathered supports the ongoing prosecution of Gutierrez-Reed.

Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey also argued there is "no basis" to dismiss the charges without prejudice. The prosecutor accused Gutierrez-Reed's lawyer of wanting "more time" to prepare for the impending preliminary hearing.

The judge ruled in the state's favor, allowing the hearing to happen as planned on Aug. 9, and Gutierrez-Reed's charges will remain in place.

Prosecutors have accused the armorer of transferring "narcotics to another person with the intent to prevent the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of herself."

Gutierrez-Reed's lawyer previously slammed the move as "retaliatory and vindictive" in a statement.

"Something is rotten in Denmark," Jason Bowles told Fox News Digital. "It is shocking that after 20 months of investigation, the special prosecutor now throws in a completely new charge against Ms. Gutierrez-Reed, with no prior notice or any witness statements, lab reports or evidence to support it."... (Read more)

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