Seattle Police Bodycam Video Shows Officer’s Inappropriate Remarks After Fatal Accident
In a recent development, the Seattle Police Department has released bodycam footage depicting an officer’s unsettling behavior following a fatal incident involving a patrol car. The incident, which occurred on January 24th, involved the tragic death of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student from Northeastern University.
The body-worn camera of officer Daniel Auderer captured the officer making questionable comments about the accident. Notably, he downplayed the situation, stating that the vehicle wasn’t moving recklessly because it was going 50 mph. Furthermore, he expressed doubts about a criminal investigation taking place.
Contrary to the officer’s claims, police officials revealed that the patrol car was traveling at a whopping 74 mph in a 25-mph zone when it struck Kandula while responding to a priority-one call.
Towards the end of the video clip, the officer made disturbing remarks. He callously commented on the victim’s demise, even laughing. He suggested writing a check for the situation, stating, “Eleven thousand dollars. She was 26, anyway. She had limited value.”
The video, shared by the police department, aims to maintain transparency. The department refrained from making any official comments and awaits the results of an investigation by the Office of Police Accountability.
An observant department employee expressed concern over the officer’s statements, prompting them to notify superiors about the situation. The Office of Police Accountability is currently examining the context of these remarks.
The Seattle Police Department has reached out to the victim’s family, extending their deepest sympathy for the tragic incident.