LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Civil rights activists Tuesday are calling for the immediate release of all body-worn camera footage by Los Angeles Police Department officers who fatally shot a dog in Canoga Park while the pet’s owner was celebrating the New York Knicks NBA Finals victory.
Officers responding to a report of a screaming woman at a Canoga Park apartment wound up shooting her dog after the poodle mix Jameson rushed at them, but it turned out the woman was merely hollering in celebration of the Knicks winning the NBA championship.
“The tragic killing of Jameson was unnecessary and unwarranted,” said Najee Ali, senior organizer of the Los Angeles National Action Network. “We demand immediate accountability, which can only happen through the prompt release of the body-worn camera footage and the names of the officers responsible for shooting and killing Jameson. The public deserves transparency, and the family deserves answers.
“We stand with Marie Marcel and all those seeking justice for Jameson,” Ali added. “No family should have to experience this type of tragedy without a full and transparent investigation.”
The tragic chain of events started shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday when a neighbor heard a woman screaming from the apartment in the 7500 block of Jordan Avenue, according to a Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman.
The person who made the report directed officers to the apartment, and when they got to the door, “a large dog was by her side barking at the officers,” according to an LAPD statement.
“The officers asked her to secure the dog, and the resident closed her door momentarily,” according to the LAPD. “She re-opened the door, and the dog exited the apartment. Once outside of the apartment, the dog charged at one of the officers, resulting in an officer-involved shooting.”
According to multiple reports from the scene, the woman was screaming with joy at the Knicks’ title-clinching victory in Game 5 of the championship series against the San Antonio Spurs. The dog, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever- Saint Bernard and poodle mix, was wearing a New York Knicks shirt.
News footage shows the woman kneeling over her mortally wounded pet outside her front door moments after the shooting, crying in grief, “He’s such a good dog!”
“If officers had sufficient time to draw and fire a weapon, they had sufficient time to consider less-lethal alternatives, including the use of a Taser,” said Western Regional Director of the National Action Networks Jonathan Moseley. “This incident raises broader concerns about LAPD’s continued use of deadly force in questionable circumstances. The public deserves answers and meaningful reforms.”
Police said the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services was notified, “responded to the scene and took custody of the deceased dog. The dog owner was at (the) scene and cooperated with the investigation.”
The National Action Network is also calling for a meeting with LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell regarding the circumstances surrounding Jameson’s death and the department’s use-of-force policies.
The LAPD’s Force Investigation Division is investigating the shooting.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched on behalf of the family.
“On June 13th, 2026, 10 minutes after celebrating the Knicks championship win, our dog was fatally shot right outside our home,” the page said. “Jameson was 2-years-old, and he was taken from us too soon. Anyone who’s met Jameson would tell you he is the sweetest boy in the world. Please help us raise money to get Justice for Jameson and any cremation fees.”
The page had raised nearly $34,000 of its $55,000 goal as of Monday afternoon, and can be found at gofundme.com/f/justice-for-jameson-help-us-honor- his-memory.
Recent Comments