Seattle Police Officer Responsible for Jaahnavi Kandula’s Death Dismissed

Jaahnavi Kandula, a student from Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, tragically lost her life in January 2023 when a Seattle police patrol vehicle struck her. The officer responsible for the incident, Kevin Dave, is being dismissed from the police department, senior officials announced. Although Dave was driving at high speed with the intention of rescuing a drug overdose victim, officials stated that his reckless driving led to a fatal outcome that could not be justified. Acting Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr remarked, "A poor decision by the officer resulted in the loss of a precious life."

Sue Rahr further informed employees via email that Kevin Dave had violated four key departmental policies, leading to his termination. She emphasized that Dave’s actions had tarnished the reputation of the Seattle Police Department.

On January 23, 2023, Jaahnavi Kandula was crossing a street in Seattle when Kevin Dave’s patrol vehicle, traveling at a speed of 119 km/h (74 mph), hit her with great force. The impact flung her nearly 100 feet, resulting in her immediate death. In addition to Dave, another officer involved in the case, Daniel Auderer, had already been dismissed. Auderer faced backlash after a bodycam recording captured him making inappropriate comments about Jaahnavi’s death. In the video, which went viral, Auderer was heard laughing and remarking that her life had “little value.” Following an investigation, he was removed from the force.