After two years of fighting for justice in the death of a graduate student who was fatally struck by a police cruiser, the officer behind the wheel is finally facing accountability from the department.
Back in January of 2023, 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula was struck by a police cruiser going 74 mph in a 25 mph zone. Behind the wheel was officer Kevin Dave who authorities say was responding to a report of an overdose. According to the King County Prosecutor’s Office, Dave did have on his emergency lights and siren.
However, the report also said Kandula appeared to have run across the intersection as his vehicle was approaching. It also suggested the earbuds diminished her hearing. Kandula was thrown over 100 feet and died later at the hospital.
Originally, Dave was only handed a fine of $5,000 for negligent driving and the prosecutor’s office declined to charge him. However, in an email obtained by NBC News, interim Police Chief Sue Rahr said she decided to fire Dave after finding he violated department policy.
“I believe the officer did not intend to hurt anyone that night and that he was trying to get to a possible overdose victim as quickly as possible,” Rahr wrote. “However, I cannot accept the tragic consequences of his dangerous driving. His positive intent does not mitigate the poor decision that caused the loss of a human life and brought discredit to the Seattle Police Department.”
The case gathered attention again in September after body-camera footage was released capturing the comments of former officer Daniel Auderer who discussed the incident. Authorities said he was dispatched to determine whether Dave was impaired during the incident. In doing so, he was captured laughing at the accident and saying Kandula’s life had “limited value.”
Auderer lost his job in July, per NBC’s report. Now, his buddy is joining him on the unemployment track. Interim Chief Rahr acknowledged in her letter the decisions may have ruffled some feathers but were necessary considering the circumstances.
“I understand and accept that many will not agree with this decision. It is my hope that this heartbreaking situation will be an enduring reminder that officers responding to emergencies: Do not lose sight of the danger that is created by excessive speed when responding to emergency calls,” the email said via NBC.