A New Mexico judge is set to determine at a Friday hearing whether to compel a movie set armorer to testify at actor Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial for the fatal shooting of a cinematographer during a rehearsal for the movie “Rust” nearly three years ago.
Prosecutors are requesting Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to testify with immunity following her conviction in March for involuntary manslaughter in the shooting of Halyna Hutchins at the movie set ranch.
Baldwin played a significant role in the previous trial, which focused on gun safety protocols and his responsibilities as a co-producer and lead actor on “Rust.”
Related Story: ‘Rust’ armorer sentenced to 18 months for fatal shooting on movie set
Special prosecutors argue that all information Gutierrez has about Baldwin should be presented to the jury for a fair trial.
Both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed oppose the efforts to compel her testimony.
Gutierrez-Reed invoked her Fifth Amendment right during a pretrial interview and is resisting testifying with immunity, fearing it could impact any future appeal.
At the hearing, the judge will also address defense requests to dismiss the trial based on the gun’s condition and potential modifications that could exonerate Baldwin.
Related Story: Alec Baldwin faces new lawsuit for ‘Rust’ shooting from victim’s family
During the fatal incident, Baldwin claims the gun discharged accidentally, killing Hutchins and injuring the director, Joel Souza.
Prosecutors argue that evidence will show the gun was functioning properly before the shooting and required a trigger pull to fire.
At Gutierrez-Reed’s trial, an FBI expert confirmed the gun’s functionality but had to manipulate it for it to fire without a trigger press.
Baldwin has entered a not guilty plea to the involuntary manslaughter charge.
Marlowe Sommer previously denied a motion to dismiss by Baldwin, stating the grand jury made an independent decision on the indictment.
Last year, prosecutors dropped a manslaughter charge against Baldwin but pursued it again after new evidence surfaced regarding the gun’s condition.
