Off the bat, we’d like to note the (above) image from the crash site has NOTHING to do with the photos in question. It is a screenshot straight from National Transportation Safety Board footage, as they were authorized to film the scene. This footage has been widely shared on TV, print, and online.
Now…
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva is speaking out about the internal investigation into how gruesome photographs were taken and shared of the crash site where Kobe and Gianna Bryant were killed along with seven others.
As you may already be aware, it was recently reported that photographs were circulated of the victims’ bodies at the site by a deputy as a way to “impress a girl.” As of now, law enforcement has reportedly identified at least eight officers involved in the inexcusable and tasteless act of sharing the images.
Related: Vanessa Bryant Issues Statement On Crash Site Photo Leaks
Villanueva gave an update to the press on Monday, noting he was “shocked” by the deputies’ actions and called it a “punch to the gut.” In a video of the official statement, shared by ABC 7, he admitted:
“It was such a hard scene, dealing with the families first hand at Lost Hills station. All three families were there except for the pilot’s family. They were all present and we’re reassuring them [that] we’re doing everything possible and then to find out, you know, days later that this happened… it’s just a sense of betrayal.”
According to the sheriff, none of the deputies should have taken photos of the horrific crash as only those with the county coroner’s office and investigators with the NTSB were allowed to photograph the scene:
“That is the only two groups of people. Anybody outside of that would be unauthorized. They’d be illicit photos.”
Villanueva clarified to reporters that at this time, the eight deputies are currently under investigation. Additionally, he said the alleged images were deleted and that he had not personally seen them.
During an interview with NBC’s Today Show, the Sheriff confirmed the incident was brought to the attention of the LA County Sheriff’s Department a few days following the fatal crash when a deputy trainee was allegedly seen showing the inappropriate photos at a bar; someone overheard the conversation and alerted authorities. He continued to express remorse over the actions of individuals at their office:
“I am devastated and heartbroken by the conduct of those first responders who had the responsibility to protect the dignity and privacy of the victims who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas.”
As we reported, Vanessa Bryant‘s legal counsel has since issued a lengthy statement of her own in response to the ongoing internal investigation. Unsurprisingly, the message slammed the actions of the involved deputies. In part, it reads:
“First responders should be trustworthy. It is inexcusable and deplorable that some deputies from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s substation, other surrounding substations and LAFD would allegedly breach their duty. This is an unspeakable violation of human decency, respect, and of the privacy rights of the victims and their families. We are demanding that those responsible for these alleged actions face the harshest possible discipline, and that their identities be brought to light, to ensure that the photos are not further disseminated. We are requesting an Internal Affairs investigation of these alleged incidents.”
At this time, it’s unclear what charges (if any) will be brought against those involved. We’ll continue to update our readers as this story develops.
[Image via ABC 7/Instagram/NTSB YouTube]
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