Seattle Police Officer Investigated For Laughing About Indian Student Killed In Accident

September 13, 2023: The video, released on Monday, shows Seattle Police Officers’ Guild Vice President Daniel Auderer discussing the investigation into the accident involving graduate student Jaahnavi Kandula. Kandula, 23, was killed by Officer Kevin Dave on January 23 while she was crossing the street.

In the video, Auderer can be heard saying, “She is dead,” before bursting into laughter. He then calls Kandula “a regular person” and says, “Yeah, just write a check. Eleven thousand dollars.” The clip ends with Auderer saying, “She was 26 anyway. She had limited value,” getting her age wrong.

Investigation launched

The Seattle Police Department said in a statement that it is “deeply disturbed” by the video and that the investigation is ongoing.
“We hold our officers to the highest standards of professionalism and conduct, and we will not tolerate any behaviour that does not meet those standards,” the statement said. The Seattle Police Officers’ Guild has not yet commented on the video.

Kandula’s family outraged

Kandula’s family has called for Auderer to be fired and for the police department to conduct a full investigation into the accident.
“We are appalled and disgusted by the callous and insensitive remarks made by Officer Auderer,” the family said. “Our daughter’s life was taken too soon, and we deserve answers about how this happened.”

Investigation ongoing

Auderer said the officer was driving at 50 mph and was not ‘out of control’. Ms Kandula was hit by the vehicle at 74 mph, according to a police investigation. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that multiple blunt-force injuries caused the death.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing. The Washington State Patrol is also investigating along with the Seattle Police Department.

Northeastern University student

In December, Jaahnavi Kandula was on track to receive a Master’s degree in Information Systems from Northeastern University’s South Lake Union campus.

Kandula’s death has sparked outrage in the Seattle community and beyond. A vigil was held for Kandula on Monday night, and a petition demanding Auderer’s firing has garnered over 10,000 signatures.

The Seattle Police Department has said that it is committed to transparency and accountability in this case. “We will continue to cooperate with all investigations into this matter,” the department said. “We want to assure the public that we are committed to ensuring justice is served.”