The family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student tragically killed in a Seattle police crash in January 2023, has faced further heartbreak with the passing of her father, Kandula Srikanth. Mr. Srikanth, a retired police constable, died of a heart attack on February 10, just two days before a $29 million compensation settlement for his daughter’s death was announced. The family is currently in mourning and has declined to comment on the settlement at this time.
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Seattle Interim Police Chief Sue Rahr fired Officer Kevin Dave for violating four department policies, including unsafe vehicle operation, after he fatally struck Jaahnavi Kandula while responding to a call at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone. This decision followed an Office of Police Accountability investigation and a King County Prosecutor’s Office determination that insufficient evidence existed for felony charges. While acknowledging Dave’s good intentions, Chief Rahr cited the tragic consequences of his dangerous driving as the reason for termination. The incident, further fueled by callous remarks from another officer captured on bodycam footage, sparked widespread outrage and international attention.
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The recent news about the SPD officer who hit and killed Jaahnavi Kandula in a crosswalk will not be facing any charges has left me speechless. Hearing about Officer Kevin Dave carelessly driving 74 miles an hour in a 25 mph zone, not continuously running his siren, and still getting off scot-free is not only enraging but also disheartening. When we look at the Washington State statute that grants certain privileges to authorized emergency vehicles, it’s evident that there are conditions in place to ensure the safety of innocent civilians. The fact that a life was lost due to reckless driving, yet no charges were filed, is a clear example of the unjust system we live in.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker