Seattle Reaches $29 Million Settlement in Fatal Police Collision Case
The city of Seattle has agreed to a $29 million settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was tragically struck and killed by a speeding police officer in 2023. This resolution follows intense public scrutiny and legal proceedings surrounding the incident.
Details of the Fatal Incident
On that fateful day, Officer Kevin Dave was responding to a drug overdose call when he hit Kandula as she crossed a street. He was driving at speeds of up to 74 mph (119 kph) in a zone with a 25-mph (40-kph) limit, despite having his emergency lights on and using his siren at intersections. The collision occurred while Kandula was pursuing her master's degree in information systems at Northeastern University's Seattle campus, with her graduation scheduled for December 2023.
City Attorney Erika Evans expressed the city's condolences in a statement, saying, "Jaahnavi Kandula's death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes this financial settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family. Jaahnavi Kandula's life mattered. It mattered to her family, her friends and to our community." Attorneys for the Kandula family have not publicly commented on the settlement, which was formally filed in King County Superior Court last Friday and first reported by the local news outlet PubliCola.
Outrage and Aftermath
The case ignited widespread outrage and protests, particularly after a body camera recording surfaced. In it, Officer Daniel Auderer, a police union leader, was heard laughing and suggesting that Kandula's life had "limited value" and that the city should "just write a check." This remark severely damaged the police department's reputation and undermined public trust, according to the city's civilian watchdog.
In response, diplomats from India called for an investigation. The fallout led to significant disciplinary actions:
- Officer Auderer was fired and has since sued the city for wrongful termination, claiming his comments were meant to criticize how attorneys might handle the case.
- Officer Dave, the driver, was also fired, cited for negligent driving, and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
- King County prosecutors declined to file felony charges against Dave, stating they could not prove he deliberately disregarded safety at the time of the collision.
Financial Implications of the Settlement
The $29 million settlement is one of the largest in Seattle's history related to police misconduct. Approximately $20 million of this amount is expected to be covered by the city's insurance, mitigating some of the direct financial impact on municipal funds. This case highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability and safety protocols in emergency responses.
As the community reflects on this tragedy, the settlement aims to provide some measure of justice for Kandula's family while underscoring the need for reforms in law enforcement practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.
