Body camera footage released in the fatal shooting of a family dog named Jameson reveals the LAPD officer had his gun already drawn and ready before the animal approached, while the video does not show the dog aggressively charging as police initially described. Instead, it depicts Jameson moving toward the officers in what appears to be an excited or happy manner after slipping past his owner during a wellness check triggered by celebratory screams over the New York Knicks’ NBA championship win.
The footage, published by TMZ, has fueled allegations that the officer demonstrated a pre-existing readiness to use lethal force rather than attempting de-escalation.
Sequence Captured on Bodycam
On Saturday evening, June 13, Marie Marseille was celebrating the Knicks’ title victory with family at her Canoga Park apartment. Her joyful screams prompted a neighbor to call 911, mistaking the noise for distress.
When officers knocked, Marseille cracked the door. Jameson — a 2½-year-old golden retriever-Saint Bernard-poodle mix wearing a Knicks jersey — poked his head out and barked. The bodycam officer, visibly startled by the dog’s size, immediately instructed her to secure the animal and uttered an expletive. He also told another officer, “I ain’t gettin’ bit by that, bro.”
Marseille stepped outside to calm the situation and assured the officers that Jameson was not aggressive. The dog then slipped past her into the hallway.
Crucially, the bodycam footage shows the officer already had his service weapon out and in hand as Jameson approached. The video does not depict the dog charging aggressively in the way police statements suggested. Rather, it shows Jameson moving toward the officers in a manner that many viewers have described as excited, happy, or non-threatening — consistent with the family’s account of a playful, energetic pet caught up in the celebration atmosphere.
The officer fired multiple shots anyway. Jameson yelped after the first round, yet the officer continued shooting. Marseille screamed in horror as her dog collapsed.
Conflicting Descriptions of the Dog’s Behavior
Police have maintained that Jameson “charged” at the officer, justifying the use of deadly force in what they classify as an officer-involved shooting. However, the released bodycam video does not support that characterization according to numerous viewers and critics who have analyzed the footage. The dog’s movement appears far more consistent with an excited animal approaching people it knows than with an aggressive attack.
The family has repeatedly emphasized that Jameson was a gentle, playful dog who had never bitten anyone and was simply excited from the Knicks celebration. The footage appears to align more closely with their description than with the initial police narrative of a charging threat.
Investigation and Public Reaction
The LAPD has opened a multi-month investigation into the shooting, with Capt. Mike Bland confirming an internal review plus an independent examination by the Office of the Inspector General. Mayor Karen Bass has also ordered a probe. Chief Jim McDonnell called the incident “incredibly tragic.”
Despite the video evidence, the officer involved has not been publicly identified. Activists and community members are demanding full transparency, including the officer’s name and a detailed explanation of why lethal force was used when the footage shows the gun already drawn and the dog approaching without clear signs of aggression.
A GoFundMe for “Justice for Jameson” has raised six figures. The neighbor who made the 911 call has expressed regret. A community vigil is planned.
Implications of the Footage
The bodycam video raises serious questions about the officer’s decision-making and preparedness. The fact that the gun was already out before Jameson fully approached — combined with the officer’s earlier comments expressing fear of being bitten — has led many observers to argue that the shooting reflected premeditated readiness to use deadly force rather than a split-second reaction to an imminent threat.
Critics are asking why less-lethal options (distance, verbal commands, or tools designed for animal encounters) were not employed, especially during what was a routine wellness check stemming from sports celebration rather than any criminal activity.
This incident has struck a particular nerve in the sports community. What should have been a night of joy for Knicks fans ended in the death of a beloved family pet. The footage suggests the tragic outcome may have been avoidable had the officer not already had his weapon drawn and appeared primed to shoot.
The investigation continues. The released bodycam footage provides critical visual evidence that challenges the official police description of events and underscores the need for accountability, better training on animal encounters, and stricter scrutiny of when officers draw and use their firearms during non-violent calls.
