CANOGA PARK, CA – The owner of a pet Labradoodle shot and killed by a Los Angeles Police Department officer has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and multiple unidentified officers, alleging excessive force and policy violations.
The Incident
The fatal shooting occurred around 8:55 p.m. on June 13 in the 7500 block of Jordan Avenue. Officers responded to a welfare check after a neighbor reported a woman screaming.
The resident, Marie Marseille, a 45-year-old nurse, was actually celebrating the New York Knicks winning the NBA championship. Body-worn camera footage shows officers asking Marseille to secure her 106-pound dog, Jameson. Moments later, the dog emerged from the doorway, barked, and moved toward an officer, who then fired multiple shots.
Lawsuit Allegations
The federal complaint contends that the officer “fired multiple shots and killed Jameson in cold blood” without attempting to calm the animal. The lawsuit emphasizes that Jameson, a 2-year-old mix wearing a Knicks shirt, never growled, bared his teeth, or showed signs of aggression.
According to the suit, LAPD policy and California state guidelines mandate that officers must distinguish between “energetic” and “aggressive” canine behavior, using force only under immediate threat of injury.
City and Official Response
While the LAPD stated they do not comment on pending litigation, officials have acknowledged the incident:
- LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell vowed a full investigation, stating, “The loss of a pet is deeply personal.”
- LA Mayor Karen Bass called the body-camera footage “disturbing and tragic” and is actively seeking a reevaluation of department policies regarding force used against pets.
Public support for Marseille has grown rapidly, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $248,000 following the incident.
