The Seattle police officer involved in the tragic accident that resulted in the death of Jaahnavi Kandula, an Indian student from Hyderabad, while responding to an overdose call, will not be charged with any criminal offenses due to a “lack of sufficient evidence.” The decision was made by the King County Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday not to pursue the case against Officer Kevin Dave.
In a statement, the King County Prosecuting Attorney explained, “It is the responsibility of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to thoroughly examine all available evidence concerning the incident involving Seattle Police Officer Kevin Dave and the collision that led to the tragic death of Jaahnavi Kandula in January 2023. After careful consideration by senior deputy prosecuting attorneys and office leadership, it has been determined that we do not have enough evidence under Washington State law to establish a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Attorney Leesa Manion expressed, “Kandula’s death is a devastating loss and has deeply affected communities in King County and worldwide.”
In a memorandum addressed to Seattle police, prosecutors stated that there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that Dave displayed “conscious disregard for others’ safety.”
On January 23, 2024, 23-year-old Indian student Kandula tragically lost her life after being struck by a police vehicle driven by Officer Dave while crossing a street in Seattle. The officer was traveling at a speed exceeding 119 kmph while responding to a drug overdose call. Kandula was thrown approximately 100 feet upon impact with the speeding police patrol vehicle.
Although not involved in the January collision, Seattle Police Officer Daniel Auderer’s recorded comments on his body-worn camera were described by the attorney’s office as “appalling and deeply troubling.”
In the video, Officer Auderer can be heard saying, “But she is dead,” followed by laughter while on the phone. He then remarked, “She was 26 anyway. She had limited value.”
Attorney Manion remarked, “Officer Auderer’s comments were also unprofessional and undermined the public’s trust in the Seattle Police Department and law enforcement in general.”
Officials clarified that the bodycam footage did not suggest any fault on Officer Dave’s part or warrant a criminal investigation.
According to reports from local media, the collision was attributed to speed. Dave was reportedly en route to a “priority one” call as requested by the Seattle Fire Department, as per the Seattle Police Department.
