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Judge warns against sharing autopsy photos of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh’s bodies, compares it to Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s leaked graphic images

Vanessa Bryant, the wife of Kobe Bryant, sued Los Angeles County for leaking autopsy pictures of the helicopter crash and had to settle for $29M

WALTERBORO, SOUTH CAROLINA: Judge Clifton Newman warned against sharing graphic autopsy pictures of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh. The pictures were unintentionally shared by some of the live-streaming channels, which eventually got shared across social media. 

Newman also reminded about the recent case where Vanessa Bryant, the wife of Kobe Bryant, sued Los Angeles County for leaking the autopsy pictures of the helicopter crash and had to settle for a $29 million agreement. The graphic images got shared on one of the live-streaming channels while questioning pathologist Dr Ellen Riemer when one of the members of the prosecution team flashed them up on his computer.

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What did Judge Clifton Newman indicate regarding the images?

The judge stated, "There's a complaint now regarding the posting of autopsy photos that came from within the courtroom; based on the direction of the photographs, it came from within the well of the court. Of course, one of the reasons that we've sought to seal graphic photos is because the parties have the right to privacy and a right to those matters not being publicly disclosed. If anyone has heard about the recent settlement that Kobe Bryant's wife just made with the Los Angeles County and others out there over certain disclosures involving the death of Kobe Bryant, liability can be substantial, and it's a risk, for the most part, that's not worth taking. We'll let everyone judge themselves accordingly." 

What was the suit filed by Vanessa Bryant?

Vanessa Bryant, the wife of Kobe Bryant, sued Los Angeles County for capturing and sharing graphic images after the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and their daughter Gianna in 2020. It was ordered by the court to give a $29 million settlement to Vanessa and Christopher Chester on the same suit on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Meanwhile, the settlement comes after a federal court declared in August 2022 that the Los Angeles County Sheriff and firefighters were liable for violating constitutional rights. The images of the incident included not only images of the crash but also photos of the victims' disfigured bodies. Vanessa and Chester claimed that the disclosure of these pictures caused her mental anguish and violated the family's privacy.

Judge's response to jurors wanting to remain anonymous

Newman also commented, "The jurors have a right to continue that privacy but they are not obligated to do so. It would not surprise me if jurors choose to come forward and to speak. They are encouraged to do so if that is their desire - I have no problem whatsoever with the jurors unmasking themselves and speaking with the media.They have gone through a life changing experience. Should anyone attempt to harass or annoy them, please let me know and I will address the issue."

'It’s the TV stations fault'

The Internet reacted to the sharing of autopsy pictures of the victims and comment by the judge. A user said, " Judge on this case was amazing. You could tell he was very disappointed in #murdaugh. I’m sure his words hit home. At the end he chastised the lawyers well. Said he had a complaint that autopsy pictures have gone public from the lawyer’s well. Told them to investigate themselves." Another added, "It’s the TV stations fault. No one else’s. They broadcast it. It’s now out there forever and would hardly be enforceable to disallow them out since theyre already out." "Regarding the Murdaugh trial… his son brutal murder autopsy pictures are right in front of him, and the emotions are fake as hell!!," wrote a user. "Actually these were supposed to be sealed Photos and the judge just said in court that people CAN BE HELD LIABLE IN A CIVIL COURT for those who post these if someone wants to find the people Posting them," added another."Kobe Bryant case just settled. Might want to take this down quick, bra.," said another user. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.