Report: Cops Shared Graphic Photos of Kobe Crash Scene

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's department says it is investigating allegations that deputies leaked graphic photos of the helicopter crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant and eight others last month. Sources tell the Los Angeles Times that days after the crash, first responders discussed the inappropriate sharing of photos of the crash scene and the victims' bodies. One source says he saw one of the graphic photos on an official's phone in a setting not connected to the crash investigation. It's not clear whether the deputies involved took the photos or received them from somebody else, reports NBC Los Angeles.

A sheriff's department official says "the matter is being looked into." The Jan. 26 crash in Calabasas killed Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, two other 13-year-olds, and five other adults, including the pilot. The Times notes that law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles have had problems before with the leaking of evidence involving celebrities, including the leaking of a photo of Rihanna after she was beaten by Chris Brown. (More Kobe Bryant stories.)