A GoFundMe campaign for a woman whose dog was shot and killed by police on Saturday is gaining traction online.
The fundraiser was created shortly after a tragedy unfolded in Los Angeles as a woman was celebrating the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals victory inside her apartment.
After a concerned neighbor who heard screaming called 911, officers arrived to investigate. But when the woman, Marie Marseille, opened the door, what began as a check to ensure she was okay became a violent encounter.
“While speaking with the resident, a large dog was by her side barking at the officers, the LAPD said in a media release. “The officers asked her to secure the dog, and the resident closed her door momentarily. She reopened the door, and the dog exited the apartment.”
According to the statement, the dog then “charged at one of the officers, resulting in an officer-involved shooting.”
Police confirmed that the dog, who was dressed in a Knicks T-shirt at the time, was killed during the incident.
Graphic and unsettling video goes viral
Since the deadly shooting took place, a graphic and unsettling video showing Marseille sobbing over the dog’s body has been circulating online. In the video, Marseille can be heard saying that her dog was not vicious.
“He’s such a good dog!” she says in the now-viral footage.
Marseille spoke with KTLA earlier this week and told the outlet she was “unable to process” why police shot Jameson, the 2-year-old golden Saint Berdoodle.
“There had to have been so many other options . . . so many different ways this issue could have gotten resolved. Because it didn’t have to turn into this,” Marseille said.
Marseille’s son, Jeremiah Garcia, created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of the dog’s cremation.
“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 fundraiser page reads.
While the goal of the fundraiser was only set at a modest $10,000, the page has far exceeded that amount.
At present, after being created just three days ago, it has reached $189,975 from about 7,500 donations. Some of the top donors are giving $1,000 and more.
GoFundMe confirmed to Fast Company that the campaign is verified as authentic.
As footage from the incident continues to circulate online, questions about police conduct are, too.
Activists, who say police used unnecessary force in this case, are demanding accountability. On Tuesday, civil rights group National Action Network held a news conference on the matter.
Najee Ali, senior organizer of the Los Angeles National Action Network, said, “The tragic killing of Jameson was unnecessary and unwarranted. 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.”
He added: “The public deserves transparency, and the family deserves answers.”
On Wednesday night, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell vowed that there would be a “thorough, multilayered examination” of the incident. “There is no incident more serious than when an officer fires a service weapon,” McDonnell said.