Jaahnavi Kandula: Seattle Pays $29M Settlement to Indian Student's Family
The city of Seattle has agreed to a $29 million (approximately ₹260-262 crore) settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, an Indian graduate student tragically killed by a speeding police officer in January 2023. The settlement brings a financial close to a case that sparked widespread outrage over police conduct and accountability in the United States. The officer who hit her was fired, as was another officer who made callous remarks about her death.
Key Highlights
- Seattle agrees to $29 million settlement for Jaahnavi Kandula's family.
- Indian student, 23, killed by speeding US police officer in January 2023.
- Officer Kevin Dave drove 74 mph in a 25 mph zone during emergency response.
- Another officer, Daniel Auderer, fired for callous remarks caught on bodycam.
- The case sparked significant outrage and diplomatic concern from India.
- Family had filed a $110 million lawsuit against the city and officer.
The city of Seattle has reached a significant financial settlement of $29 million, equivalent to approximately ₹260-262 crore, with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who was fatally struck by a police patrol car in January 2023. Kandula, originally from Andhra Pradesh, India, was pursuing a master's degree in information systems at Northeastern University's Seattle campus when the tragic incident occurred.
The incident took place on January 23, 2023, when Seattle Police Department (SPD) Officer Kevin Dave, responding to a drug overdose call, hit Kandula as she crossed a street in a South Lake Union crosswalk. Officer Dave was reportedly driving at a speed of 74 mph (119 kph) in a 25 mph (40 kph) zone. While he had his emergency lights on and had used his siren at intersections, investigations indicated he may have only 'chirped' it rather than running it continuously. The force of the collision tragically threw Kandula nearly 100 to 138 feet, resulting in her immediate death.
The case garnered widespread international attention and ignited significant outrage, particularly after body camera footage surfaced showing another SPD officer, Daniel Auderer, making deeply insensitive remarks about Kandula's death. In the recording, Auderer was heard laughing and joking about the incident, suggesting that Kandula, misstating her age as 26, had "limited value" and that the city should "just write a check" for $11,000. These comments were met with severe condemnation, and diplomats from India formally sought an investigation into the matter.
In response to the public outcry and internal investigations, both officers involved faced consequences. Officer Daniel Auderer was fired from the Seattle Police Department in July 2024 due to his inappropriate comments, which the interim police chief acknowledged caused "irreparable" harm and brought shame to the department. Auderer has since filed a lawsuit against the city for wrongful termination. Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving the vehicle, was fired from the department on January 6, 2025, nearly two years after the incident. He was cited for negligent driving and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. However, King County prosecutors declined to file felony charges against him, stating they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he acted with criminal negligence or deliberate disregard for safety, a decision that also drew criticism.
Kandula's family had filed a lawsuit against the City of Seattle and Officer Kevin Dave in September 2024, seeking $110 million for wrongful death, negligence, and assault, with an additional $11,000 in direct reference to Auderer's disparaging remarks. The settlement, reached last week (early February 2026), with a notice filed in King County Superior Court, aims to bring some measure of closure to the grieving family. City Attorney Erika Evans expressed hopes that the financial settlement would offer some closure, emphasizing that "Jaahnavi Kandula's life mattered. It mattered to her family, her friends and to our community." Approximately $20 million of the settlement amount is expected to be covered by the city's insurance.
In a gesture of recognition for her academic pursuits, Northeastern University posthumously awarded Jaahnavi Kandula a master's degree in December 2023, acknowledging her achievements and impact. This case highlights ongoing discussions surrounding police conduct, accountability, and the value of human life in the context of law enforcement operations. The story has been extensively covered by major news outlets in both India and the United States, reflecting its international significance and the emotional impact it has had on communities globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the settlement amount in the Jaahnavi Kandula case?
The city of Seattle reached a $29 million settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula. This amount is approximately ₹260-262 crore.
Who was Jaahnavi Kandula and what happened to her?
Jaahnavi Kandula was a 23-year-old Indian graduate student from Andhra Pradesh studying at Northeastern University in Seattle. She was fatally struck by a speeding Seattle Police Department patrol car, driven by Officer Kevin Dave, on January 23, 2023, while she was in a crosswalk.
What actions were taken against the police officers involved?
Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving the patrol car, was fired from the Seattle Police Department in January 2025. Another officer, Daniel Auderer, who made callous remarks about Kandula's death, was also fired in July 2024. Prosecutors declined to file felony charges against Officer Dave.
Why did the case spark outrage?
The case sparked widespread outrage not only due to the tragic death of Jaahnavi Kandula by a speeding police officer but also because of body camera footage showing Officer Daniel Auderer laughing and making insensitive comments about her life having 'limited value' following the collision.
When was the settlement reached?
The settlement was reached in early February 2026, with a notice of settlement filed in King County Superior Court, over three years after the incident occurred.