Seattle Officer Walks Away No Criminal Charges After Fatally Striking Jaahnavi Kandula

by Aysha Qamar

Officer Kevin Dave who fatally struck Jaahnavi Kandula on Jan. 23, 2023, will be facing no criminal charges, the King County Prosecutor’s Office said according to The Seattle Times.

Dave was only issued a traffic infraction after reportedly driving up to 74 miles per hour and fatally striking Kandula over 130 feet. He was driving three times the speed limit.

The King County Prosecutor’s Office said the evidence is consistent with Kandula “being distracted.” On Feb. 21, the office announced that Dave will not face criminal charges. On Friday, the Criminal Division of the Seattle City Attorney’s Office announced that he had been issued a traffic infraction for negligent driving in the second degree with a vulnerable user victim.

This carries a maximum fine of $5,000.

The ruling has sparked continuous solidarity marches across the country.

“For someone to just walk scott-free right after taking someone’s life is not OK and we need accountability,” Deepali Jamwal, one of the event’s organizers said.

Kandula’s family has vowed to pursue civil action against Dave and the Seattle Police Department.