In a disturbing bodycam video, a Seattle police officer, identified as Daniel Auderer, laughed and made inappropriate comments about the tragic death of 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula. Kandula was killed in January after being struck by a police patrol car while crossing a crosswalk near her university campus. The incident occurred as officers were responding to an overdose case in the South Lake Union neighborhood, and the patrol car was traveling at a shocking speed of 74 mph in a 25 mph zone.
The video shows Auderer laughing and making derogatory comments about Kandula's death, including she "had limited value" alongside joking about the financial consequences of her death by saying someone should "just write a check." Jaahnavi Kandula was a student at Northeastern University, pursuing a master's degree in information systems.
Seattle Police initially ruled the incident as an accident and promptly returned the unidentified officer to duty. However, following the public outcry and the release of this distressing footage, authorities have launched an investigation into Officer Auderer's behavior. Notably, Daniel Auderer is also the vice president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild.
The Seattle Police Department issued a statement acknowledging the video's existence and emphasizing the importance of adhering to department policy and the City's Accountability Ordinance during ongoing investigations. The Office of Police Accountability (OPA) is currently conducting an investigation into the incident, which has garnered widespread attention and condemnation.
Our condolences go out to the family of Jaahnavi Kandula.
Link: The Independent
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