US Cop Defends Joking About Indian Student's Death in Bodycam Footage, Says Remarks Not Malicious

A US cop is defending remarks he made joking and laughing about an Indian student's death in bodycam footage. He says the remarks were not made with malice.

The student, Jaahnavi Kandula, was hit and killed by a Seattle police vehicle in January.

Another officer, Auderer, was recorded joking about her death, saying her life had "limited value."

Auderer has defended the remarks, saying they were sarcastic and mocking how these incidents are litigated. He says they were not intended maliciously.

The police guild released Auderer's letter defending the remarks and says more context is needed. The footage was released by the department in the interest of transparency.