What began as a joyful celebration of the New York Knicks' long-awaited NBA championship victory ended in tragedy for one Los Angeles family after police fatally shot their pet dog.
The horrific incident took place in Canoga Park, where officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a neighbour's report of a screaming woman. The noise was later determined to be part of a family celebration following the Knicks' historic championship win.
Now, as footage of the aftermath continues to circulate online, city leaders have backed calls for a transparent investigation into the shooting. At the same time, thousands of supporters rally behind a campaign demanding justice for the family dog, Jameson.
What Happened to Jameson?
According to reports, police officers arrived at an apartment complex after receiving a call about a screaming woman. Information suggests that the woman had a large dog beside her when officers made contact. She was instructed to secure the animal and briefly closed her door. However, when the door was reopened, officers allegedly said that the dog ran out of the apartment and charged toward one of them. An officer then fired his weapon, fatally striking the dog.
The animal was later identified as Jameson, a two-year-old golden Saint Bernard doodle belonging to Marie Marseille.
A video recorded after the shooting spread across social media like heartbreaking wildfire, showing Marseille sobbing as she held Jameson's body.
'The Knicks just won the championship. We were just so happy. We were just celebrating the Knicks,' she said in footage shared online.
Shedding more light on the tragedy, Marseille later shared that Jameson had slipped past her legs and was shot within seconds. She added that her dog was not displaying hostile behaviour at all.
@jermo.29 This is my beautiful boy, Jameson. On June 13th, 2026, he was fatally shot by police. He was taken from us too soon, just minutes after celebrating the @New York Knicks Championship win. Please help us get #JusticeForJameson and raise money for legal fees and cremation fees. #GoFundMe
♬ original sound - Jeremiah Garcia
Investigation Underway
The incident has drawn attention from Los Angeles political leaders, who have publicly expressed support for a thorough review of the shooting.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she had spoken with Police Chief Jim McDonnell to ensure that a full investigation would be implemented.
'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 in a statement.
I’m horrified by what happened in Canoga Park on Saturday. My heart is with Jameson’s family.
— Nithya Raman (@nithyavraman) June 17, 2026
LAPD's review must be thorough, and body worn camera footage must be promptly released. Whatever the investigation ultimately finds, the outcome of this incident is unacceptable, and… pic.twitter.com/wNZpK10wve
The LA mayor added that she guarantees the investigation would be both thorough and transparent so that residents have a complete understanding of what occurred. City Councilmember Nithya Raman also called for the prompt release of body-worn camera footage from the incident.
In a statement shared on social media, Raman stated she was horrified by what happened and described the outcome as unacceptable, regardless of what investigators ultimately determine.
@themayormarseille Jameson was a literal human. I always made sure he had the best meals. This was his birthday dinner when turned 2 January of this year so you know I had to go all out! Coincidentally, he has the same birthday as my mom. I love you so much bubba. #justiceforjameson #fyp #doodle #mybaby
♬ original sound - TheMayorMarseille🇭🇹🇫🇷
Justice for Jameson
Public support for Jameson's family has continued to grow in the days following the shooting.
A GoFundMe campaign titled Justice for Jameson has raised nearly $200,000, greatly surpassing its original fundraising goal of $10,000. The fundraiser describes Jameson as 'the sweetest boy in the world', a sentiment echoed by thousands of people who have left messages of sympathy and encouragement for the family.
Jameson's GoFundMe campaign states: 'On June 13th, 2026, 10 minutes after celebrating the Knicks championship win, our dog was fatally shot right outside our home. 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.'
Meanwhile, numerous social media users have questioned how a celebration ended in such devastating circumstances. The shocking event has relit discussions regarding police responses, pet safety, and accountability.
For now, Jameson's family continues to seek answers. Amid the headlines and fight for justice, supporters hope the focus remains on a dog remembered by those who knew him as a loyal companion and cherished member of the family. For many following the story, the wish is simple: that heartbreaking incidents like this never occur again.
