Seattle Settles for $29 Million Over Student’s Death
Seattle has reached a settlement of $29 million with the family of Jaanabi Kandura, a 23-year-old graduate student from India, who tragically lost her life when a speeding police officer hit her while she was crossing the street in 2023.
Officer Kevin Dave struck Kandura while responding to a drug overdose call. He was reportedly driving 114 mph in a zone with a 25 mph speed limit, with his emergency lights and sirens activated at the time.
City Attorney Erica Evans expressed condolences, stating, “The death of Jaanabi Kandura is heartbreaking, and the city hopes this financial settlement brings some closure to the Kandura family. Jaanabi Kandura’s life mattered to her family, her friends, and our community.”
Kandura had been pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus.
The notice of settlement was filed last Friday in King County Superior Court, and the agreement was first reported by local news outlet Publicola.
Her untimely death led to protests and significant public outrage, particularly after recordings emerged of another officer inappropriately laughing and implying Kandura’s life was “limited” while suggesting the city should “cut her a check.”
The incident prompted calls for an investigation from Indian diplomats.
Additionally, the city’s civilian oversight agency concluded that comments made by former police union leader Officer Daniel Oderer damaged the department’s reputation and trust within the community. Oderer was fired and subsequently filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city, claiming his remarks were meant to critique potential legal responses to such cases.
The officer who struck Kandura was also terminated on suspicion of negligent driving and was fined $5,000. However, King County prosecutors decided not to pursue felony charges, stating they couldn’t prove that he had intentionally ignored safety regulations.
Roughly $20 million of the settlement will be covered by city insurance.
