The family of a dog killed by the Los Angeles Police Department during a post-game celebration is threatening legal action if the LAPD does not acknowledge its wrongdoing, according to the family's attorney.
Marie Marseille, owner of the 2-year-old poodle mix named Jameson, has retained a lawyer and is prepared to fight for justice following the shocking shooting on Saturday. Attorney Brett Greenfield told TMZ, "If the LAPD does not address this appropriately relating to the officer and my client, I will be filing a lawsuit. We play to win, it's just that simple. We are not happy about this."
Greenfield emphasized that the family seeks accountability above all. "I want them to take accountability. I want them to admit what they did was unjustifiable," he said.
The incident occurred after the New York Knicks won the NBA Championship, when officers responded to a report of a woman screaming in her apartment. According to the LAPD, Jameson charged at officers after Marseille was told to restrain him, leading to the fatal shooting.
Greenfield questioned the necessity of the force used: "I don't know how you're going to justify firing bullets into a dog, in such close proximity to its owner, where the shell casing land close to her feet, while you're responding to the home of a lady who is home alone and simply celebrating her beloved Knicks and screaming on the phone to her family."
The attorney declined to specify what "appropriate" actions he expects from the LAPD but noted that the family is not focused on monetary compensation. "It's an emotional loss and the family wants accountability," he explained.