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By Marni Rose McFall
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The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has released body-worn camera footage documenting the fatal police shooting of a resident's dog named Jameson that happened last week. A frame-by-frame analysis of the video details the tense moments leading up to the incident, which has ignited widespread public outcry.
The incident occurred after officers responded to a 911 call reporting a woman screaming inside an apartment. The emergency call proved to be a false alarm; the resident, identified as Marseille, was celebrating the New York Knicks’ historic NBA championship victory—the franchise's first title in over 50 years—which had sparked citywide celebrations. When Marseille opened her door to greet the officers, her 2-year-old Saint Bernard doodle, Jameson, can be seen approaching the door while wearing a Knicks shirt.
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Following the shooting, footage went viral online, drawing swift condemnation from community members and city officials. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement labeling the video "disturbing and tragic." A GoFundMe campaign titled “Justice for Jameson” was also launched to support the family. The fundraiser has experienced a massive surge in donations, raising $215,155, vastly exceeding its initial $10,000 goal.
The LAPD has confirmed that an internal investigation into the use of force is underway, noting that the process could take up to a year to complete. Newsweek has contacted the LAPD for comment outside of normal business hours.
According to departmental protocols established in 2023 regarding hostile dog encounters, officers are provided with seven tactical options and tools to utilize before resorting to lethal force: voice commands, chemical spray, batons, fire extinguishers, Tasers, beanbag shotguns, and physical kicks.
LAPD Officer Arrives, Asks for Dog to Be Put Inside
The newly released bodycam footage begins with two officers arriving at the apartment. When Marseille answers the door, a large dog can be heard barking inside the unit. Upon seeing the animal, the responding officers instruct Marseille to secure the dog inside.
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Second Officer Says for Dog to Be Put Inside, Weapon Is Visible
The bodycam footage shows the officer unholstering his gun and backing away from the barking dog. He puts his gun away after Marseille closes the door.
One officer says “Jeez, that’s a big ass dog,” and the second officer says, “I ain’t getting bit by that, bro.”
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Owner Says the Dog Is Not Aggressive
When Marseille returns to the door, she says the dog is “not aggressive.”
The officer responds, “He’s ah, huge, you know what I mean?”
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Dog Comes Out of the Apartment
Moments later, the dog manages to exit the apartment into the hallway. Officers can be heard repeating commands for the animal to be placed back inside immediately.
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Dog Comes Out of the Apartment, Image From Other Officers Perspective
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Jameson the Dog Is Shot
After Jameson enter the hallway away from the first officer, who tells Marseille to put him inside, the dog then moves down the hall toward the second officer, who draws his gun and fires.
Jameson drops to the ground and Marseille screams in distress.
Police have said that Jameson had charged at the officers.
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Marseille later told NBC News Los Angeles, “I never expected this to happen. I see the officer shoot him twice. I did see that. I was right there when it happened.”
“Jameson, he is a very playful dog, very happy and energetic and excited, if he barked. He has never bitten anyone,” Marseille added.
The family shared an update to their GoFundMe and said the “overwhelming support” from the public has “deeply moved our family.”
They announced that to honor Jameson, they will establish the Jameson Marseille Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to “improving the lives of animals through advocacy, education, animal encounter training, rescue support, veterinary care initiatives, and direct assistance to animal welfare organizations.”
Reaction to Bodycam Video
The release of the bodycam footage has sparked concern.
“The Chief and I agreed that it was important to release the bodycam footage swiftly. While the investigation is ongoing, I am very concerned about why shots were fired and Jameson was killed," Bass said in a statement. "This shooting makes clear that while LAPD provides officers with written guidance on the use of force and pets, this is not enough. “
Najee Ali, a community advocate, told local news outlet KTLA 5, “The video confirms that Jameson never should have been shot and killed to begin with.”
Neighbor Who Called 911 Speaks Out
The neighbor, who spoke anonymously to Eyewitness News out of fear for their safety, said they have struggled in the days since the incident.
“I feel responsible for what happened,” they said. “I’m so sorry. I never wanted anything bad to happen. I thought I was doing the right thing."
The neighbor said the LAPD were “very hostile,” and “banging on the door.”
“That’s not how I thought a wellness check would go,” they added.
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