LAPD releases bodycam video of officer killing Canoga Park family's dog during Knicks celebration

The Los Angeles Police Department released body camera video of the moments when an officer fatally shot a Canoga Park family's 2-year-old dog when they were called for reports of a "screaming woman."

Jameson, a St. Bernard, Golden retriever, and Doodle mix, was pronounced dead at the scene Saturday night, as his family was celebrating the New York Knicks winning the NBA Championship.

Family members told CBS LA that Jameson was wearing a Knicks T-shirt when he was shot by police, and that he was a very playful dog that loved everyone and was loved by everyone in return. 

LAPD Capt. Mike Bland commented on the critical incident in a YouTube video that also shows the bodycam footage.

"The LAPD conducts very thorough use of force investigations, which typically require investigators to interview multiple witnesses, view countless hours of video footage, and analyze a considerable amount of forensic evidence," Bland said, noting the investigation may take up to one year to complete.

The incident happened on June 13, when officers were called to an apartment complex in the 7500 block of Jordan Avenue for reports of a woman screaming. Recording of the 911 call was released: "There's just screaming, like something horrible happened," the caller said.

When officers arrived, they met with the person who reported the incident and then the woman, who was actually celebrating the Knicks' first title in more than 50 years. 

Released bodycam video shows two officers at the apartment, knocking on the door and declaring that they were LAPD officers. As the woman, since identified as Marie Marseille, opens her door, the dog starts barking. The officers ask her to put the dog away as she shuts the door.

"Dude, that's a big dog," one of the officers can be heard saying in the footage. "I ain't getting bit by that, bro."

The video then shows Marseille reopening the door, at which point Jameson makes his way out through the open door, barking and running towards the second officer, whose gun was drawn. Moments later, multiple shots were fired.

An earlier released police statement said that the woman reopened her door, and the dog charged at one of the officers, which caused them to open fire. 

"We also do not draw any conclusions about whether the officers acted consistent with our policies in the law until all the facts are known and the investigation is complete," Bland said in a video statement released on Friday.  

A heartbreaking video posted to social media shows Marseille crying and hugging Jameson after he was killed. Her son, Jeremiah Garcia, said that he was on FaceTime with his mother while the ordeal happened, and that he heard gunshots and then screaming.  

"It's tearing my body apart, waking up and not having him at the foot of my bed. Everyone loved that dog,"  Garcia said.

Friday's gathering will be the second this week after activists held a news conference to demand accountability from police. In response, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell issued a statement that he called "an incredibly tragic incident" and promised that a full and comprehensive review would be completed after the department received numerous complaints from the public.

"The loss of a pet is deeply personal. For many, a dog is not simply an animal; it is a companion, a source of comfort, and a member of the family," McDonnell's statement said. 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass' office also shared a statement following the release of LAPD bodycam footage:

"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. This shooting makes clear that while LAPD provides officers with written guidance on the use of force and pets, this is not enough."

She said she has asked for an examination of the 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 the use of lethal force to increase safety for everyone – officers, Angelenos and their pets."

On Friday, the legal team representing the family shared a statement, which said that the family is grateful for Bass' public commitment to a transparent investigation and demanded that all relevant evidence regarding the incident, including body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, dispatch recordings and radio communications, be released to the public. 

"They expect that commitment to be honored. They deserve answers. The public deserves answers," the statement said. "Jameson was not merely a dog. He was a beloved member of this family. He was a loyal companion, a source of comfort, and a cherished part of their daily lives. Marie and Jeremiah are grieving a profound loss and remain committed to pursuing every appropriate avenue to ensure that the truth is uncovered and accountability is achieved. ... We are confident that a complete review of all available evidence will reveal exactly what occurred and why this tragedy should never have happened."

A GoFundMe for the family has gathered more than $200,000 for Jameson's family, with many donors offering their condolences and calling for justice. The fundraiser can be found by searching for the keywords: "Justice for Jameson: Help Us Honor His Memory."

"The family is deeply appreciative of the extraordinary outpouring of support they have received from members of the public, animal advocates, community leaders and countless individuals across the country who have expressed their condolences and concern," the family's statement said. 

The candlelight vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m. outside of the LAPD Headquarters at 100 W. First Street in Los Angeles.