Seattle Police Officer Fired for Killing Indian Student Jaahnavi Kandula in Speeding Incident

Seattle Police Officer Fired for Killing: Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh, India, tragically lost her life on January 23, 2023, when a speeding Seattle police vehicle struck her. Officer Kevin Dave, driving at 74 mph (119 km/h) to respond to a drug overdose call, hit Kandula as she crossed the street. The impact threw her body nearly 100 feet.

Officer Kevin Dave Fired for Reckless Driving

On Monday, Interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr announced that Kevin Dave has been fired following an investigation by the Seattle Office of Police Accountability. The investigation revealed that Dave violated four department policies during the incident.

“I believe the officer did not intend to hurt anyone, but his dangerous driving had tragic consequences,” Rahr stated. She emphasized that Dave’s actions brought discredit to the Seattle Police Department.

Insensitive Remarks by Another Officer Add to Outrage

Months earlier, another Seattle officer, Daniel Auderer, was also fired after bodycam footage revealed his insensitive comments following Kandula’s death.

Auderer laughed while discussing the crash and remarked that Kandula “had limited value.”
His comments caused significant outrage, further tarnishing the reputation of the Seattle Police Department.
Auderer later claimed his remarks were meant to ridicule city attorneys who would handle a potential wrongful death lawsuit, but the damage to Kandula’s family and public trust was already done.

Legal and Community Response

The King County Prosecutor’s Office decided not to press criminal charges against Kevin Dave. However, he received a $5,000 traffic infraction. The Indian Consulate in Seattle has actively worked with authorities to ensure justice for Kandula’s family, providing support and monitoring the case closely.

Calls for Accountability and Justice

The incident has sparked widespread discussions about police accountability and public safety.

Community members and activists demand stricter measures to prevent such tragedies.
The Indian Consulate has vowed to continue monitoring the case to ensure justice for Kandula and her grieving family.

A Call for Safer Policing

Jaahnavi Kandula’s death is a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in law enforcement. While the firing of Officer Kevin Dave and public outcry are steps toward justice, this tragic event underscores the need for systemic reforms to ensure such incidents never happen again.