Delay Possible for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed's Testimony in Alec Baldwin's Manslaughter Trial

The anticipated testimony of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, former armorer on the set of "Rust," in Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial may face delays, according to recent updates from legal proceedings.

Originally slated to testify on Friday, Gutierrez-Reed's attorney, Jason Bowles, informed NBC News that prosecutors have signaled a potential delay due to scheduling issues. The trial, unfolding in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has entered a crucial phase with ongoing deliberations.

Gutierrez-Reed, currently serving an 18-month sentence at Western New Mexico Correctional Facility for involuntary manslaughter related to the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, has been relocated to Santa Fe for trial proceedings.

Prosecutors, led by Kari T. Morrissey, declined to provide specific comments on the trial's current trajectory. Alec Baldwin, who handled the firearm involved in the fatal incident, faces the possibility of an 18-month sentence pending trial outcome.

In a pretrial interview held in May, Gutierrez-Reed expressed hesitancy about cooperating in Baldwin's trial and indicated her reluctance to testify.

Legal experts, including former New Mexico prosecutor Jennifer Burrill, have emphasized the complexities surrounding Gutierrez-Reed's potential testimony. Burrill noted that decisions regarding the invocation of the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, particularly concerning implications for any future legal actions.

Gutierrez-Reed initially faced charges of involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering, the latter of which she was acquitted in March.

Throughout Baldwin's trial, prosecutors intend to call several witnesses who were present during the tragic incident, including Dave Halls, the assistant director who previously entered a no contest plea to a misdemeanor charge related to negligent use of a firearm, resulting in a six-month probationary period.

Baldwin's defense team has underscored Halls' responsibilities in ensuring firearm safety on set, echoing Baldwin's assertion that Halls declared the gun "cold"—free of live ammunition—before it was handed over.

The trial, expected to span eight days, anticipates closing arguments scheduled for July 19, although it remains uncertain whether Baldwin will personally testify in his defense.

Amidst the legal proceedings, the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins has sparked debates and renewed discussions about safety protocols on film sets involving firearms. Industry practices and regulations regarding the handling and supervision of firearms during film production have come under scrutiny, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and stricter adherence to guidelines.

Gutierrez-Reed's role as the armorer, responsible for the safe handling and maintenance of firearms on the "Rust" set, has been a focal point in the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. Her decisions and actions leading up to the incident are central to determining accountability and liability in this case.

The trial's delay underscores the meticulous nature of legal processes in high-profile cases involving serious charges. Both the prosecution and defense continue to navigate complex legal terrain, balancing the pursuit of justice with procedural fairness.

As the trial unfolds, public and industry attention remains fixed on the outcomes and implications for safety standards in film production, particularly concerning the use of firearms. The tragic consequences of the "Rust" incident have reverberated throughout Hollywood, prompting soul-searching and calls for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.