It has been over two years since the world lost Kobe Bryant in an unfortunate helicopter crash. The world mourned the loss of an icon. The reason for the crash was determined to be bad weather. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other passengers lost their lives tragically. Two years on, Kobe’s wife Vanessa Bryant along with Chris Chester, who lost his wife and daughter in the crash, filed a lawsuit. 

They have sued the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and other authorities for taking pictures on their phones of the deceased. The pictures were also then allegedly shared among co-workers, friends, family, and even strangers. And there has been a revelation recently regarding the sharing of the said pictures. 

There have been eight officials of different ranks involved in the trial so far. One of them, Michael Russell, is an L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept. Deputy. He revealed that pictures of deceased Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna were shared shortly after the tragic crash. He then shared the pictures with Santa Clarita deputy Ben Sanchez. Russell testified that he and Sanchez got in a Call of Duty gaming session.

While talking at the game party, Russell asked Sanchez if he wanted to see the pictures. To this Ben replied that he did. The pictures were subsequently shared during that gaming session after the conversation, as per Russell’s testimony.

Also Read: Kobe Bryant Leaked Crash Photos Trial Takes Another Turn as Photographer Snubs Blame With Latest Argument

This was supposedly the next day after the crash. However, Russell received the pictures just hours after the accident happened. A fellow deputy, Joey Cruz allegedly sent the pictures to Michael Russell. Russell accepted that it was not his business doing so, but also revealed that he got a minor write-up as punishment for the same. 

Deputy in Kobe Bryant photo trial reveals “common practice”

On the third day of the trial, Douglas Johnson revealed that sharing pictures of accidents was “common practice” and he did nothing wrong. He testified that Raul Versales, who was the deputy in command, ordered him to take those pictures. Although later an audio recording was presented as evidence which had Versales refusing to give such orders. Johnson reportedly stood his ground and claimed he did not know about Versales’ denial. 

Throughout the trial, Vanessa Bryant has been a subject of difficult moments, having to revisit the horrific crash. She has often been seen crying and leaving the premises during the trial. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Vanessa Bryant’s viral moment with youngest daughter 

Vanessa Bryant is suing for emotional distress, among other things. The trial is expected to continue throughout the week.