26th January 2020, the world lost an icon. An unfortunate helicopter crash took the life of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna and several other passengers. Recently, wife Vanessa Bryant filed a lawsuit against the officials. She is suing the L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept. and other authorities. She filed for a trial against them after discovering that 8 deputies took personal cellphone photos of the remains of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna. The pictures were also allegedly passed around to co-workers, family, friends and even strangers.

The deputy involved in the trial, Douglas Johnson, testified that the deputy in command, Raul Versales ordered him to take those pictures. Although he admitted taking around 25 pictures of the deceased and the surroundings around the crash yet he refused any wrongdoings as per the accusations. He said that this was “common practice” and he did not do “anything wrong”. He also testified that even sharing those pictures was part of the protocol among the officials.

The audio recording presented consisted of Raul denying any instructions or requests of photographs. Douglas further went on record and said that he was not aware of this denial by his higher official, Versales. L.A. cops also apparently have a dark culture when it comes to grizzly death scenes, keeping “ghoul books” with photos of famous people who met violent deaths. 

Also read: Wife Vanessa Was Left in Tears After Lawyer Made Stern Statements at Kobe Bryant Crash Photos Trial: “They Poured Salt in an Unhealable Wound”

This was the 3rd day of the trial and another emotionally draining one for Vanessa Bryant. Chris Chester, who lost his wife and daughter, is partnering Vanessa in leading the suit against the country.

NBA world mourned the loss of Kobe Bryant

The NBA with everyone across the world were saddened by the news of the Mamba tragically dying in the crash. The helicopter traveled through a hilly area in California. The reasons for the crash were informed to be bad weather conditions. Kobe and his daughter Gianna tragically lost their lives with other passengers. Kobe Bryant inspired so many people, his teammates and future generations of basketball to come.

The world mourned the loss of an all time great. People were simply brought to tears, and that just ensures that Kobe’s legacy will live on forever.

Now over two years later, the trial has opened up regarding the investigation on the deputies, officials and authorities involved. Moreover, the jury has a lot to take into consideration now.

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

Was Johnson violating the privacy rights of the victims’ families by taking these photos for no good reason, as Bryant’s attorney suggested? Or was Johnson unclear about who told him to take photos and just trying to do his job and document the scene under difficult circumstances?