What began as a joyful celebration of the New York Knicks’ NBA championship ended in tragedy for a Haitian family in Los Angeles after their beloved dog was fatally shot by police responding to a call at their apartment complex.
Marie Marseille, a Haitian immigrant and nurse originally from New York, was celebrating the Knicks’ championship victory inside her Canoga Park apartment on June 13 when Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived following a report of a possible disturbance.
According to Marseille and her family, the loud cheering and excitement from the game celebration prompted a neighbor to contact authorities after mistakenly believing someone inside the apartment was in distress.
Marseille told officers that she was alone and simply celebrating the Knicks’ victory. Her 2-year-old dog, Jameson, a Golden Saint Bernard Doodle, was barking at the unfamiliar visitors. Officers reportedly instructed Marseille to secure the dog.
According to the family, as Marseille attempted to do so, Jameson slipped past her and approached one of the officers. Marseille maintains that the dog did not display aggressive behavior and was not threatening officers when he was shot.
Cellphone footage recorded in the aftermath shows Marseille crying over Jameson’s body in the hallway while calling for her son, Jeremiah Garcia, who had been speaking with her on FaceTime during the celebration.
Family members and neighbors described Jameson as a gentle and affectionate pet who was loved throughout the apartment community. On the night of the incident, he was reportedly wearing a New York Knicks jersey as part of the family’s celebration.
The Los Angeles Police Department has stated that officers encountered a large dog that was barking and allegedly charged toward them, leading to the use of deadly force. The department has not publicly released body-camera footage from the incident.
The shooting has generated significant public reaction online, with many calling for greater transparency and requesting the release of all available video evidence.
In the days following the incident, Jeremiah Garcia launched a fundraising campaign to help cover cremation expenses and pursue legal action. The campaign has received widespread support from members of the public who have expressed sympathy for the family’s loss.
The incident has renewed discussions about police interactions with family pets and the use of force in situations involving animals. Advocates are calling for a full review of the circumstances surrounding the shooting and for officials to release additional information to the public.
As the investigation continues, Marseille and her family say they are seeking answers and accountability while mourning the loss of a dog they considered a cherished member of their family.
