Gorgeous revelation within the courtroom throughout the Kobe Bryant picture trial case Tuesday … a deputy testified that he despatched one other cop graphic pics from the crash website whereas the 2 have been in the midst of a “Name Of Obligation” gaming sesh.
Michael Russell — an L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept. deputy — says the change of the photographs occurred shortly after the Lakers legend and his daughter, Gianna, perished within the tragic, Jan. 2020 helicopter crash.
Russell, who claimed he had initially obtained the photographs from fellow deputy Joey Cruz hours after the wreck, mentioned he joined a online game get together with Santa Clarita deputy Ben Sanchez the next day.
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Whereas the 2 have been taking part in the first-person shooter sport, Russell testified he informed Sanchez he had the photographs, after which requested if he wished to see them. When the cop mentioned sure, Russell mentioned he despatched them over.
Russell admitted in court docket that he had no enterprise doing that. He additionally testified that he obtained nothing greater than a minor write-up as punishment.
Cruz, in the meantime, additionally testified in court docket on Tuesday … and did admit to displaying the photographs to a bartender as effectively.
Cruz mentioned he did it to alleviate the stress he had been coping with as a result of scenario — and testified that he did really feel remorseful over all of it.
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Vanessa Bryant, who’s suing for, amongst different issues, emotional misery, was current in court docket — although she did depart the room for at the very least a part of Cruz’s testimony.
The trial is anticipated to proceed on all through this week.