Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies who are currently linked to the alleged display of gruesome photos of the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash site were reportedly told they could avoid all discipline if they simply admitted their involvement and then deleted the photos, according to Fox News.
A source told the Los Angeles Times that the alleged “quiet attempt to let the deputies off the hook could amount to destruction of evidence.”
The story from the Times reported that a “public safety source with knowledge of the events” had stored the images from the crash site and shared them in a setting not related to the investigation of the accident. TMZ alleges the Sheriff’s Department knew about this leak for almost three weeks, with one deputy trainee trying to impress a girl by showing her photos at a bar.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s issued a statement Friday, admitting they were “deeply disturbed” and promised “a thorough investigation” in the coming weeks.
It was Bryant, his 13-year-old, and seven others who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26th while they were traveling to a youth basketball tournament at the Lakers star’s Mamba Sports Academy facility.
A memorial for Bryant and Gianna was held Monday, Feb. 24 at the Staples Center.
