Los Angeles city officials are backing an investigation into a fatal police shooting that claimed an unusual victim: a two-year-old golden Saint Bernard doodle named Jameson.
The incident unfolded Saturday in Canoga Park when officers responded to a noise complaint about a "screaming woman." The call turned out to stem from celebratory cheering over the New York Knicks' championship victory.
Once at the scene, police were directed to an apartment where a woman was inside with her large dog. When officers arrived, the dog began barking. The woman was told to secure the animal and closed her door, but when she reopened it moments later, the dog slipped past her and charged at one of the officers. Officers fired, killing Jameson within seconds.
In a video that quickly circulated on social media, Jameson's owner, Marie Marseille, was seen cradling her deceased pet while visibly distraught. "The Knicks just won the championship. We were just so happy," she said through tears. Marseille told NBC News the dog had never attacked anyone and was simply trying to get out of the apartment.
Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement Wednesday pledging a thorough review. "Every life lost to violence is a tragedy, and we know that the devastating loss of Jameson will be felt by his family forever," Bass said, adding she had spoken with Police Chief Jim McDonnell to ensure the investigation would be "thorough and transparent."
City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who is running against Bass in November's mayoral race, called the outcome "unacceptable" and demanded the LAPD release body camera footage immediately. "I'm horrified by what happened in Canoga Park on Saturday," Raman posted on X. "Whatever the investigation ultimately finds, the outcome of this incident is unacceptable, and shakes an already fragile trust in our public safety system."
The case has resonated deeply with the public. A GoFundMe established for Jameson's family titled "Justice for Jameson" has raised more than $170,000, far exceeding its $10,000 goal. The fundraiser described Jameson as "the sweetest boy in the world."
Author James Rodriguez: "A dog dies during a noise complaint about a sports celebration, and suddenly the entire city's police accountability is under the microscope. That's how fragile public trust in law enforcement has become."
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