In a decision that has captured the attention of both the local and international community, the King County prosecutor’s office announced on Wednesday, February 21, that no criminal charges would be brought against Seattle Police Officer Kevin Dave. Officer Dave was involved in a tragic incident in January 2023, where 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula was fatally struck by a police SUV in a South Lake Union crosswalk. This case has reignited discussions on police conduct and public safety, particularly in situations involving high-speed responses to calls.

Prosecutor Leesa Manion stated, “After staffing this case with senior deputy prosecuting attorneys and office leadership, I have determined that we lack sufficient evidence under Washington state law to prove a criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt.” This conclusion was reached despite Officer Dave driving at 119 kph in a 40 kph zone with his emergency lights activated. Witnesses reported hearing the siren, and it was noted that Kandula, who was attempting to cross the intersection, may have been wearing wireless earbuds which could have affected her ability to hear the approaching vehicle.

The memo further explained, “There is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ofc. Dave was consciously disregarding safety,” highlighting the legal challenges in proving negligence or misconduct in such cases.

Jaahnavi Kandula, from Andhra Pradesh, India, was a master’s student in information systems at Northeastern University’s South Lake Union campus. Having arrived in the US in 2021 on a student exchange program, Kandula was pursuing her educational dreams with the hope of supporting her mother back home. Her untimely death, mere months before her graduation, has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the wider community.

Adding to the controversy, a video from Officer Daniel Auderer’s body-cam, released by the Seattle Police Department, showed Auderer, vice-president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG), joking about the incident. During a call with Mike Solan, president of the police union, Auderer laughed off the accident and suggested that the city should simply “write a check” for the damages, implying that Kandula’s life had “limited value.

The decision not to charge Officer Dave raises significant questions about the standards for criminal liability in incidents involving law enforcement and civilians. It underscores the complexities of legal thresholds for proving negligence or reckless endangerment by police officers in the line of duty. Moreover, the insensitive remarks captured on body-cam footage highlight a troubling disconnect between law enforcement and the communities they serve, emphasizing the need for systemic changes in police training, accountability, and community relations.

  Jaahnavi Kandula, Seattle, USA