Lawyers for Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez have filed an expedited motion for a new trial or dismissal in the Santa Fe First Judicial District Court of New Mexico following the dismissal of the case against another key figure in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

The motion, citing "severe and ongoing discovery violations by the State," was filed Tuesday night, just days after the judge dismissed the criminal case against actor Alec Baldwin, as ABC News reports.

Gutierrez was found guilty in March of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. She was subsequently sentenced to 18 months in prison a month later. In May, Gutierrez appealed her conviction, seeking a reconsideration of the court's decision.

Motion Filed After Baldwin's Case Dismissed

The expedited motion for a new trial or dismissal was submitted shortly after the dramatic conclusion of Alec Baldwin's trial last week. On Friday, a New Mexico judge dismissed Baldwin's case on the third day of his manslaughter trial. The defense argued that live ammunition evidence had been "concealed" from local law enforcement, which the judge found to be a significant issue.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer granted the defense's motion to dismiss Baldwin's case, citing discovery violations. She stated that the late disclosure of a supplemental report on the ammunition "injected needless delay into the proceedings," approached "bad faith," and was "highly prejudicial to the defendant."

The judge's decision to dismiss Baldwin's case with prejudice means he cannot be tried again on the same charge. This decision has had a significant impact on the proceedings against Gutierrez.

Judge Cites Discovery Violations

Gutierrez's legal team referred to Baldwin's case as exposing "extreme misconduct" and used it to bolster their argument for a new trial or dismissal. They argue that the discovery violations highlighted in Baldwin's case are indicative of broader issues that have affected Gutierrez's trial and conviction.

The motion filed by Gutierrez's lawyers describes the state's actions as "severe and ongoing discovery violations," alleging that these violations have compromised the fairness of the trial. The legal team insists that the only way to address these issues is through a new trial or a complete dismissal of the charges.

Judge Sommer's comments during the dismissal of Baldwin's case have been central to Gutierrez's latest motion. The judge remarked, "There is no way for the court to right this wrong," emphasizing the significant impact of the discovery violations on the integrity of the judicial process.

Impact of Discovery Violations on Gutierrez's Case

The legal proceedings surrounding the fatal shooting on the set of "Rust" have been closely watched, with both Baldwin and Gutierrez facing serious charges. The recent developments in Baldwin's case have shed light on potential procedural flaws that may have also affected Gutierrez's trial.

Gutierrez's lawyers argue that the dismissal of Baldwin's case, based on discovery violations, underscores the need for a reassessment of her conviction. They maintain that similar issues in her case have undermined her right to a fair trial and that the state's conduct has been highly prejudicial.

The motion for a new trial or dismissal is now before the Santa Fe First Judicial District Court, where it will be reviewed in light of the recent dismissal of Baldwin's case. The court's decision on this motion will have significant implications for Gutierrez and the broader legal proceedings related to the "Rust" shooting incident.

Legal Team Seeks to Address Misconduct

The filing by Gutierrez's lawyers is a crucial step in their ongoing efforts to challenge her conviction and address what they perceive as fundamental flaws in the handling of the case. They hope that the court will recognize the parallels between the discovery violations in Baldwin's case and those in Gutierrez's case and grant the relief they are seeking.

As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the judicial process upholds the principles of fairness and justice. The outcome of Gutierrez's motion will be closely monitored, as it could set a precedent for how discovery violations are addressed in high-profile cases.

Both Gutierrez and Baldwin have been at the center of a highly publicized legal saga following the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins. The latest developments highlight the complexities and challenges of navigating the legal system in such cases, particularly when procedural issues come to the forefront.

Conclusion

In summary, Hannah Gutierrez's lawyers have filed an expedited motion for a new trial or dismissal, citing severe discovery violations, just days after Alec Baldwin's case was dismissed.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer's decision to dismiss Baldwin's case with prejudice has raised significant questions about the handling of evidence and the fairness of the trial process.

As Gutierrez's legal team seeks to address these issues, the court's ruling on the motion will be pivotal in determining the next steps in this ongoing legal saga.