The death of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India, has sparked outrage after a recording from a body-worn camera surfaced in which a Seattle police officer suggested her life had "limited value." The officer in question, Kevin Dave, was driving 74 mph in a 25 mph speed limit zone when he struck Kandula in a crosswalk on January 23, 2023, while responding to an overdose call. Despite the excessive speed, prosecutors have decided not to file felony charges against Dave, citing insufficient evidence to prove he was consciously disregarding safety.

The case gained widespread attention after another officer, Daniel Auderer, was recorded making callous remarks about Kandula's death, suggesting the city should "just write a check" and that her life had "limited value." The comments were condemned by diplomats from India, local protesters, and the city's civilian watchdog, the Office of Police Accountability. Auderer, who is the vice president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, acknowledged that his remarks were insensitive but claimed they were meant to mock the legal system that would try to put a value on Kandula's life.

While King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion called Kandula's death heartbreaking, she stated that Auderer's comments did not change the legal analysis of whether Dave should be charged. The responsibility of investigating and disciplining Auderer lies with the Office of Police Accountability, not the prosecutor's office. Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz is currently considering what punishment Auderer should face for his derogatory and inhumane remarks.

The Seattle Police Officers Guild, of which Auderer is a part, has claimed that his comments were taken out of context and were highly insensitive. However, the union did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation. Kandula, who was a graduate student at Northeastern University's Seattle campus, has left a lasting impact on the community, with many calling for justice and accountability in her tragic death.