Expert Says Alec Baldwin’s Gun Was Perfectly Functioning

February 27, 2024 @ 3:43 PM

There was absolutely nothing evidently incorrect with the reproduction Colt.45 with which Alec Baldwin mistakenly fired “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021, a guns expert indicating for the prosecution stated Tuesday in the wrongful death test of armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.

Lucien Haag, that for years has actually collaborated with New Mexico police on weapons and ballistics situations, took the stand and stated he thoroughly checked and checked the gun after it was harmed by FBI detectives. He stated the government group had actually evidently checked the tool’s hammer by striking or dropping it– which he called “unnecessary” and resulted in a time out in the event– once he rebuilded it, the gun was “perfectly functioning.”

Gutierrez-Reed faces fees of uncontrolled wrongful death and proof meddling, with a possible jail sentence of as much as 3 years. The test started recently in New Mexico prior to a Santa Fe court that will certainly figure out whether the 24-year-old armorer births duty in the unintentional capturing fatality of Hutchins.

Haag strolled the court with his qualifications and screening procedure prior to the Tuesday lunch break, and when return, was asked by district attorney Jason Lewis concerning his last resolution.

“I think it [is] your conclusion that the Baldwin revolver that you examined, in your expert opinion – that the shooter had to have fully cocked that weapon and pulled the trigger to fire it?” Lewis asked.

“Either fully pulled the trigger, or already depressed it,” Haag stated. “If he’d already depressed it, the very instant he let go of the hammer, it would fire.”

Lewis likewise asked Haag if he might figure out from video clip of the case whether Baldwin had his finger on or inside the trigger guard throughout a “cross-draw” navigate the manufacturer and star was evidently exercising when the gun went off, eliminating Hutchins and hurting supervisor Joel Souza.

“I could never resolve that from the camera angle,” Haag stated. “You can see him cocking it, [once it’s] clear of the holster. But I can’t determine if [the trigger] is already depressed, or whether he pulled it.”

Baldwin kept after the capturing and in succeeding meetings that he “never” shot– and would certainly refrain something.

Later Tuesday, district attorneys revealed bodycam and interview-room video from Santa Fe Area Constable’s Policeman Alexandria Hancock, that talked with Gutierrez-Reed instantly after the Oct. 21, 2021, capturing.

“I’m never working in this industry again,” an audibly hopeless Gutierrez-Reed was listened to claiming at one factor, as Hancock accompanied her to the shower room and her team car. “My career is over.”

Hancock stated the then-24-year-old armorer, that was simply obtaining her begin after years of training with her dad [Thell Reed, a top industry firearms expert], really did not intend to be seen by the team that day. At one factor Gutierrez-Reed defined the prompt after-effects, claiming she was “yelled at” and asked to evaluate the gun, which revealed indicators of a real-time projectile having actually been expelled.

Gutierrez-Reed informed detectives that the “dummy” ammo for “Rust” had actually originated from 3 various resources, consisting of 2 called prop homes and her very own supply. Back at the police headquarters, Gutierrez-Reed accepted speak with Hancock and an additional investigative without her legal representative existing.

When asked if she ever before had real-time rounds on collection, Gutierrez-Reed responded to: “No, never.”

Throughout opening up declarations recently, state district attorney Jason Lewis insisted that Gutierrez-Reed’s “unprofessional and sloppy” conduct was a contributing variable. Lewis stated Gutierrez-Reed fell short two times to appropriately inspect ammo filled right into the gun possessed that October day by Baldwin, that is anticipated to likewise stand test later on this summertime on different wrongful death fees.

Gutierrez-Reed’s defense attorney laid the blame on Baldwin. It was Baldwin, the legal representative suggested, that “really controlled the set” and likewise called the armorer “an easy target – the least powerful person on that set.”

The test, anticipated to last a minimum of 2 weeks, will certainly include numerous essential witnesses, consisting of Souza and David Halls, the very first aide supervisor.