Jury awards plaintiffs $31M in lawsuit over Kobe Bryant crash photos

The case surrounding the gruesome photos taken after the fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and several others has now been closed.

After a jury of ten, Vanessa Bryant won her lawsuit against Los Angeles County because of the release of the death scene pictures captured on cell phones of 8 L.A County Sheriff deputies. Vanessa Bryant has suffered emotional distress. She was awarded $16 million by the jury. Her co-plaintiff Chris Chester, who lost his wife and daughter in the helicopter crash was awarded $15 million

Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, broke down sobbing while the verdict was read granting her victorious against the L.A. County Sheriff Department and the L.A. County Fire Department. Not only did those deputies take the pictures but they shared them with their family, friends and strangers they met at a bar.

During closing arguments, Chester’s lawyer asked for $32.5 million. Bryant’s attorney did not disclose an amount. The jury awarded $16 million to Bryant and $15 million to Chester.

The trial lasted for two weeks and at times, it was filled with descriptions so graphic that made Vanessa repeatedly cry and leave the courtroom.