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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A cell phone video, purportedly capturing the perspective of the ICE officer involved, has emerged concerning the shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. This footage is currently under review and is providing new insights into the events leading up to the confrontation. NBC News reporters Tom Winter and Julia Ainsley are analyzing the video and its implications for the ongoing investigation. The video’s contents are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
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Following the death of Ryan Smith, his mother Rose Johnson’s excessive force lawsuit against a Seattle police officer has been cleared to move forward by a federal judge. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the officer’s claim of qualified immunity, allowing the case to proceed with a tentative trial date set for September 15. The lawsuit alleges the officer’s “willful and reckless” conduct violated Smith’s constitutional rights, particularly given the officer’s history of involvement in multiple fatal shootings. The ruling challenges the defense of qualified immunity, which often shields officers from civil rights claims.
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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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John Q. Hosedrinker