Mejia , 20 , died when her drunk ex-boyfriend smashed their car into a pole in Cook County , Illinois in December 2009 . Sheriff 's deputies improperly undressed the young woman 's body at the scene and took photographs of her , according to her mother 's lawsuit . But the sheriff 's office says it was necessary to take the photographs in order to preserve evidence that ultimately put the ex-boyfriend behind bars . The case goes to trial next week .
Jessica Mejia , 20 , died when her drunk ex-boyfriend smashed their car into a pole in Cook County , Illinois in December 2009 . Sheriff 's deputies improperly undressed the young woman 's body at the scene and took photographs of her , according to her mother 's lawsuit . But the sheriff 's office says it was necessary to take the photographs in order to preserve evidence that ultimately put the ex-boyfriend behind bars . The case goes to trial next week .