SEATTLE, WA, February 12, 2026 — The City of Seattle has finalized a $29 million settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was killed by a speeding police vehicle in January 2023.
The agreement, filed in King County Superior Court, concludes a high-profile wrongful death lawsuit that sparked international outrage over police accountability and pedestrian safety.
The Fatal Incident: 74 MPH in a 25 MPH Zone
On the evening of January 23, 2023, Jaahnavi Kandula was crossing a marked crosswalk in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. She was struck by a Seattle Police Department (SPD) patrol SUV driven by Officer Kevin Dave.
Investigations revealed several critical factors:
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Extreme Speed: Dave was traveling at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone.
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Inadequate Warnings: While his emergency lights were active, he did not use a continuous siren.
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The Impact: Kandula, who had the right-of-way, was thrown nearly 138 feet. She died shortly after at Harborview Medical Center.
The “Limited Value” Controversy
The case gained global attention after body camera footage surfaced showing another officer, Daniel Auderer, making derogatory comments about the tragedy. Auderer was recorded laughing and suggesting the city “write a check” for $11,000, claiming Kandula had “limited value.”
In a symbolic gesture, the final settlement includes an additional $11,000 on top of the $29 million, directly addressing Auderer’s callous remarks. Auderer was fired in July 2024 for his conduct.
Accountability and Policy Changes
While the King County Prosecutor’s Office declined to file felony charges against Officer Dave in 2024—citing the difficulty of proving “recklessness” under state law—the fallout led to significant administrative action:
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Officer Termination: Kevin Dave was fired from the SPD in January 2025.
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Policy Review: The settlement has renewed calls from South Asian advocacy groups for stricter emergency driving protocols.
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City Statement: Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans stated, “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered… we hope this settlement brings some sense of closure to the family.”
Legacy of Jaahnavi Kandula
Kandula was a master’s student in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, India, she was described by her family as a “bright young woman with a promising future.” Approximately $20 million of the settlement is expected to be covered by the city’s insurance.
