Seattle Settles $29M with Family of Student Killed by Speeding Cop

City reaches settlement with family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student struck and killed by a police SUV driving 74 mph in a 25 mph zone.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The city of Seattle has agreed to a $29 million settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was struck and killed by a speeding police officer in January 2023. Dashcam footage showed the officer, Kevin Dave, was driving 74 mph in a 25 mph zone and failed to use his siren continuously when he hit Kandula in a crosswalk. The settlement comes shortly after another $31 million jury award against the city for its handling of the 2020 Capitol Hill Occupied Protest.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability and the use of force, especially in incidents involving vulnerable road users like pedestrians. It also comes amid a broader reckoning over police misconduct and the need for reforms to prevent such tragedies.

The details

Officer Kevin Dave struck and killed Jaahnavi Kandula in a crosswalk while responding to a call. Dashcam footage showed Dave was driving 74 mph in a 25 mph zone and did not have his siren on continuously. The incident gained further attention when a video surfaced of a Seattle Police Officers Guild official, Daniel Auderer, laughing and making insensitive remarks about Kandula's death. Auderer was later fired over the comments. Dave was cited for negligent driving but avoided felony charges, while the city has now agreed to a $29 million settlement with Kandula's family.

  • In January 2023, Jaahnavi Kandula was struck and killed by Officer Kevin Dave.
  • In July 2024, Daniel Auderer was fired by Interim Police Chief Sue Rahr over his remarks about Kandula's death.
  • In January 2025, Officer Kevin Dave was fired after an investigation found he failed to operate his vehicle safely.

The players

Jaahnavi Kandula

A 23-year-old graduate student from India who was struck and killed by a speeding police officer in Seattle.

Officer Kevin Dave

The Seattle police officer who struck and killed Jaahnavi Kandula while driving 74 mph in a 25 mph zone.

Daniel Auderer

The Seattle Police Officers Guild Vice President who was fired for making insensitive remarks about Kandula's death.

Sue Rahr

The Interim Seattle Police Chief who fired Daniel Auderer over his comments.

Erika Evans

The Seattle City Attorney who announced the $29 million settlement with Kandula's family.

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What they’re saying

“Jaahnavi Kandula's death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes this financial settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family. Jaahnavi Kandula's life mattered. It mattered to her family, her friends and to our community.”

— Erika Evans, Seattle City Attorney (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to approve the $29 million settlement between the city of Seattle and Jaahnavi Kandula's family.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for police accountability and reforms to prevent such tragedies, especially when it comes to vulnerable road users like pedestrians. It also underscores the importance of valuing every life and treating all members of the community with dignity and respect.