Newly released body camera footage shows the moment a Los Angeles police officer shot and killed a family dog in front of its owner, a scene that has triggered widespread anger online and an internal police investigation.
The video captures the final moments of Jameson, a 2-year-old Golden Saint Berdoodle, during an encounter that unfolded at an apartment complex in Canoga Park on Saturday night.
According to authorities, officers were dispatched to the building after reports of raised voices and a possible domestic disturbance.
At the apartment, police met Marie Marseille, a nurse from New York who had been celebrating the New York Knicks’ first NBA title in more than 50 years.
What began as a festive night, however, quickly turned devastating.
As officers moved toward Marseille’s apartment door, Jameson briefly stuck his head outside and began barking.
Bodycam footage released by LAPD shows an officer immediately reacting to the dog’s size.
‘Put him away,’ the officer can be heard saying before cursing.
Newly released LAPD bodycam footage shows an officer firing four shots at Jameson, a two-year-old Golden Saint Berdoodle, during a fatal encounter in a Canoga Park apartment hallway
Bodycam footage captures Jameson running toward officers before four gunshot were fired inside the apartment corridor
Jameson was wearing a Knicks-themed shirt when he was killed during the encounter
When another officer remarked on the animal’s size, the officer wearing the camera responded: ‘I ain’t gettin’ bit by that, bro.’
Marseille complied and attempted to secure the dog.
The footage then shows her step into the hallway, apologizing to officers, explaining that Jameson was not aggressive.
But suddenly the large dog slipped past her and entered the corridor.
Video released by LAPD shows Jameson running toward the officers as the confrontation rapidly escalated. The officer then opened fire four times.
Jameson can be heard yelping after the first shot, but the officer continued firing. In total, four rounds were discharged, according to the newly released footage.
As gunshots echoed through the hallway, Marseille let out a blood-curdling scream.
The dog collapsed and died at the scene.
Nurse, Marie Marseille, said her dog Jameson was ‘the sweetest boy in the world’
Marie Marseille appears devastated and on her knees after her two-year-old Golden Saint Berdoodle, was shot dead by police on Saturday
Two-year-old Golden Saint Berdoodle, Jameson, was shot after he escaped outside the front door and approached an LAPD officer who had already the owner to put the dog away
The release of the bodycam footage comes days after cellphone video showing the emotional aftermath spread across social media, generating millions of views and triggering debate about the use of force against animals.
In the viral footage, Marseille can be seen sobbing beside her pet’s lifeless body.
‘The Knicks just won a championship. We were just so happy. We were just trying to celebrate the Knicks,’ she cried.
Marseille has consistently disputed suggestions that Jameson posed a threat.
Speaking to Fox 11 earlier this week, she said officers arrived after neighbors reported loud voices.
‘I’m like, ‘Oh no, it’s just me,” she recalled. ‘And then they saw Jameson, and the one officer said, ‘Put the dog away.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, no problem.”
She said events unfolded within seconds.
‘The next thing I know, Jameson is lying on the ground,’ she told the station.
Marseille insisted that her dog had not been behaving aggressively.
‘But Jameson wasn’t baring his teeth, he wasn’t growling, he wasn’t aggressive, he wasn’t barking,’ she said. ‘He was just moving toward the officer.’
Police have offered a different account. According to a preliminary LAPD report, officials stated that Jameson charged toward one of the officers before the shooting occurred.
LA Mayor Karen Bass described the incident as both ‘disturbing and tragic’
Video footage sees the dog poking his head out the door after police knocked
The officers quickly drew their weapons and aimed directly at the dog
One neighbor was captured on video confronting officers after the shooting demanding answers.
‘What is the purpose of all of you? This is what we pay for?’ the resident shouted at the large police presence gathered outside.
The emotional footage quickly sparked outrage and heartbreak online, with many users saying they were deeply shaken by the video including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
‘What I saw on the bodycam footage is disturbing and tragic. 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 wrote.
‘This shooting makes clear that while LAPD provides officers with written guidance on the use of force and pets, this is not enough. I have directed the Police Commission President and the Chief to examine the Department’s Use of Force policy on Dog Encounters to determine best practices from around the country, and use this opportunity to update the LAPD’s overall tactics, policies, and training related to use of lethal force to increase safety for everyone – officers, Angelenos and their pets.’
Other online users were equally appalled by the shocking footage.
‘This is awful. I hope this woman receives support, understanding, and love during this time,’ one user wrote.
‘She needs to sue. Like yesterday. I’m so so so sorry, sweet momma,’ another added.
‘The way I wanted to run up n hug this poor woman the entire video,’ a third said.
A GoFundMe campaign established to cover cremation expenses and support efforts seeking accountability has raised more than $212,000.
‘Anyone who’s met Jameson would tell you he is the sweetest boy in the world,’ reads a GoFundMe set up ‘to get justice for Jameson and any cremation fees’
The fundraiser describes Jameson as a gentle companion beloved by everyone who met him.
‘Anyone who’s met Jameson would tell you he is the sweetest boy in the world,’ the fundraising page states.
‘What began as a call for justice for one beloved dog has grown into a community united by compassion, accountability, and a shared commitment to protecting animals.
‘In honor of Jameson, our family intends to 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,’ the page reads.
LAPD officials say the shooting remains under review.
Captain Mike Bland said the department expects its investigation to continue over the coming months.
According to Bland, the Office of the Inspector General is also conducting a separate independent review of the incident.
