The tragic crash that took the life of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and others was mourned by many people around the world. It was devastating, but that didn’t stop some authorities on the scene from trying to exploit the disaster for themselves.
Officers reportedly captured and distributed graphic photos of the scene that killed Kobe and his daughter, causing more distress and sadness for several families who lost loved ones that day, but new allegations only make it worse.
A chief law enforcement watchdog for Los Angeles County is trying to subpoena documents that could reveal that Sheriff Alex Villanueva attempted to hide evidence officers did this. This may expose more disturbing information - and the Bryant family is already responding.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, has filed a legal claim over the photos' inappropriate release. She’s seeking damages for emotional and mental anguish after learning that deputies took photos on their personal phones, which points to a larger problem.
Police have a dangerous disregard for Black life - what these officers did only bolsters this implication. Because officers who disrespect us in life will of course disrespect us in death, too. All of our families deserve better than this.