A federal jury awarded $31 million in punitive damages to Vanessa Bryant and co-plaintiff Christopher Chester after finding Los Angeles County liable for violating constitutional rights in a live crash. promoted in January 2020, according to CNN. As we reported earlier, the couple sued the Los Angeles County Sheriff and Fire Department over graphic photos of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe, Gianna Bryant, and 7 people other.
Baseball coach John Altobelli, wife Keri, and daughter Alyssa. Basketball coach Christina Mauser, pilot Ara Zobayan and husband and wife Christopher Sara Chester and their daughter Payton also lost their lives in the crash.
During an emotional two-week trial, a group of nine federal jurors heard a graphic testimony. jury considered for about three and a half hours before coming to their decision. Discussions began shortly after a Los Angeles County attorney argued that the trial was a “case without images.” The attorney noted that the grisly photos of human remains have never been seen by the public – or even the plaintiffs, Vanessa Bryant and Christopher Chester.
District Attorney Mira Hashmall said in the closing argument, “No image is good. No pictures means no publicity… no risk of others making mistakes. Vanessa’s attorney, Luis Li, argued the county’s action in taking such pictures was reckless and inhumane and caused emotional distress.
He added, “They poured salt into a wound that can’t be healed, and that’s why we’re all here today.” The verdict couldn’t have come on a better day as August 24 is recognized as Kobe Bryant day to honor the Los Angeles Lakers star’s two jersey numbers, 8 and 24. Kobe has worn both numbers during his NBA career. his, and the Lakers retired. Following the verdict, Vanessa took to her social media to share a message.
Our thoughts continue to go out to the entire family of loved ones involved in this tragedy.
