Los Angeles Police shot and killed 2-year-old Jameson while wearing a Knicks jersey (Photos/X)
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has released body camera footage of the fatal shooting of Jameson, a 2-year-old golden St. Bernard doodle, an incident that sparked widespread outrage after the dog was shot during what police believed was a response to a disturbance call.Officers responded to an apartment complex in the Canoga Park neighborhood on June 13 after receiving reports of a woman screaming. Authorities later determined that the noise came from a family celebrating the New York Knicks winning the NBA championship. Jameson, who was wearing a blue Knicks jersey at the time, was shot outside the apartment, sparking calls for accountability, protests on social media and demands for a transparent investigation.Amid mounting criticism, the Los Angeles Police Department released body camera footage showing the moments leading up to the shooting.The video shows the dog’s owner, Mary Marseille, opening her apartment door while Jameson stands next to her, barking at the officers. One of the officers immediately pulled out his gun and ordered her to secure the dog.An officer is heard saying in the footage: “Put your dog away.”“That’s a big dog,” one officer says to his partner.
Another officer responds: “I’m not affected by this, brother.”
Marseille appears to hold the door while telling officers the dog is not aggressive. Moments later, Jameson entered the hallway wearing a blue Knicks jersey and barking again. After taking a few steps forward, one of the officers shot the dog four times.The footage also shows another officer raising a firearm during the shooting.
Why were the police in the apartment?
Police were dispatched after receiving a report of a woman screaming in the building.According to the LAPD, the caller directed officers to Marseille’s apartment. Authorities said officers asked them to secure the dog after it started barking.Jameson came out of the apartment and attacked an officer, leading to the shooting, police said in a statement.Marseille disputed this account. Speaking to the media after the incident, she said Jameson slid down her legs and was shot within seconds.“He wasn’t doing anything. He wasn’t doing anything,” she said.
Viral video fuels public outrage
Public interest increased after the video spread widely across social media.The footage shows Marseille crying and holding Jameson’s body while several officers stand nearby.“The Knicks just won the championship. We were so happy. We’re just celebrating the Knicks,” she can be heard saying in the video.
A GoFundMe campaign titled “Justice for Jameson” has since raised more than $170,000, far exceeding its original goal.The fundraiser describes Jameson as “the sweetest boy in the world” and says he was shot about 10 minutes after the family began celebrating the Knicks’ victory.The shooting has drawn criticism from activists, community groups and government officials.The National Action Network Los Angeles called the killing “unnecessary and unjustified” and demanded the release of body camera footage and the identities of the officers involved.
The mayor orders an investigation
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she spoke with Police Chief Jim McDonnell and requested a comprehensive review of the incident.“Every life lost to violence is a tragedy, and we know Jameson’s devastating loss will be felt forever by his family,” Bass was quoted as saying by The Guardian. She added that the investigation will be conducted comprehensively and transparently so that the public can fully understand what happened.City councilor Nithya Raman also called for the immediate release of the footage and said the incident had damaged public confidence.