The decision by the King County Prosecutor’s Office not to pursue criminal charges against Seattle police officer Kevin Dave in the tragic death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula has sparked outrage and disbelief. Despite clear evidence of Kandula being struck by Officer Dave’s speeding patrol vehicle while responding to an overdose call, the prosecutor cited a lack of sufficient evidence to prove criminal negligence beyond a reasonable doubt.
Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from Hyderabad, lost her life when she was hit by Officer Dave’s vehicle while crossing a street in Seattle on January 23, 2024. The impact of the collision was devastating, throwing her 100 feet due to the excessive speed at which the officer was driving.
Although the prosecutor acknowledged the heartbreaking impact of Kandula’s death on communities both locally and internationally, the decision not to press charges has left many questioning the justice system’s accountability and fairness.
Furthermore, the disturbing comments made by another Seattle police officer, Daniel Auderer, captured on his body-worn camera, only added to the outrage. Auderer’s callous remarks about Kandula’s death and his lack of professionalism further eroded public trust in law enforcement.
While the bodycam footage did not implicate Officer Dave directly, it revealed a concerning lack of accountability and responsibility within the Seattle Police Department. Despite driving at excessive speeds without continuous use of sirens, Dave’s actions were not deemed worthy of criminal investigation.
As the community mourns the loss of Jaahnavi Kandula, questions linger about the accountability of law enforcement and the need for reforms to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future. The decision not to pursue charges against Officer Dave serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in seeking justice for victims of police negligence.