A family in Los Angeles is mourning the loss of their beloved dog, Jameson, who was allegedly shot and killed by police just moments after the New York Knicks celebrated their championship victory on June 13. The incident has sparked outrage and resulted in an overwhelming response from the community.
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Marie Marseille, the dog’s owner, was celebrating the Knicks’ first championship triumph in 53 years when tragedy struck. The 28-year-old nurse had dressed her two-year-old mixed breed dog, a golden retriever, Saint Bernard, and poodle combination, in a Knicks jersey to join in the festivities. Reports indicate that police were dispatched to the 7500 block of Jordan Avenue in Canoga Park following complaints of a “screaming woman.”
According to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers arrived at the scene around 8:55 p.m. Only moments later, they encountered a situation that would lead to the fatal shooting of Jameson. While speaking to a resident of the apartment, officers noted a “large dog” barking nearby. The police requested that the resident secure the animal, after which she briefly closed her door.
Upon reopening the door, the dog ran out and reportedly charged at one of the officers. This prompted an officer-involved shooting (OIS), resulting in the death of Jameson. Following the incident, the body of the dog was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services.
Marseille, visibly distressed, spoke to media outlets expressing her disbelief over the event. “I don’t understand what happened, I don’t understand why he had to get shot,” she stated. She described Jameson as her “baby” and insisted that he exhibited no aggressive behaviour prior to the shooting. “He was just moving towards the officer,” she explained, adding, “He wasn’t growling or barking aggressively.”
The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division (FID) is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. In their official release, they confirmed that no officers or community members sustained injuries during the incident. Marseille is reportedly cooperating fully with the investigation.
The incident quickly garnered significant media attention, particularly after a video of the aftermath emerged on social media platform TikTok. In the footage, Marseille can be seen cradling her dog on the ground, surrounded by police officers, while she bursts into tears, exclaiming, “We were just celebrating the Knicks.” Many viewers expressed empathy and outrage over the situation as they watched her grief unfold.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe page titled “Justice for Jameson” has been established to help cover cremation costs and call for accountability regarding the shooting. As of June 16, this campaign had amassed over £96,000 in donations. The page reads, “Jameson was only 2 years old and was taken from us too soon. Anyone who met him would say he was the sweetest boy in the world.”
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement indicating that the ongoing investigation would involve reviewing witness statements, physical evidence, and electronic records to establish a comprehensive understanding of the events. As the case evolves, the LAPD is yet to provide further comments.
The sorrowful incident has resonated with many, highlighting broader concerns regarding police encounters with pets and the protocols in place during such situations. Community members are rallying around Marseille and her family, with many calling for further discussions about police training and the use of force in interactions with animals.