According to reports, a federal judge granted Vanessa Bryant's request to force Los Angeles County sheriff and fire chief to be questioned about the first responders who snapped pictures at the Kobe Bryant crash site.
The ruling from US Magistrate Judge Charles Eick compels Sheriff Alex Villanueva and County Fire Chief Daryl Osby to provide pre-trial testimony about the photos which Bryant and others claim in their lawsuit caused emotional distress.
“While we disagree with the court’s decision, we will make both the Sheriff and Fire Chief available for deposition,” lawyer Skip Miller told USA Today Sports. “Their testimony will not change the fact that there is no evidence any photos taken by County first responders have ever been publicly disseminated.”
Earlier this month, Bryant spoke with investigators and stated that she was explicitly told by Sheriff Villanueva that no images would be leaked to the media.
“The impact of the helicopter crash was so damaging, I just don’t understand how someone can have no regard for life and compassion, and, instead, choose to take that opportunity to photograph lifeless and helpless individuals for their own sick amusement,” she told investigators. However, investigators grilled Bryant on whether she was distressed as a result of the photos or the tragedy itself.
“[While they] have undoubtedly suffered severe distress and trauma from the crash and resulting loss of their loved ones, their distress was not caused by [the first responders] or any accident site photos that were never publicly disseminated,” the county has claimed in court documents.
Source: nypost.com
