What began as a night of laughter, cheers, and family celebration ended in unimaginable heartbreak when a beloved dog named Benny was shot and killed by police inside a Canoga Park apartment complex.
On Saturday night, officers with the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a report of a “screaming woman” after a concerned neighbor called for help. The sounds coming from the apartment were alarming enough that someone feared a woman might be in danger.
But inside the apartment, there was no emergency. There was no violence. There was only celebration.
Elena Rivers and her family had been cheering over the New York Knicks’ historic NBA Finals victory, a moment they believed was filled with joy and excitement. Their two-year-old goldendoodle, Benny, was part of that celebration too. Dressed in a New York Knicks jersey, he was described as playful, energetic, friendly, and deeply loved by everyone who knew him.
When officers arrived and knocked on the door, they could hear Benny barking from inside. They asked the family to secure the dog before opening the door. Elena cracked the door slightly to speak with them, but in the confusion of the moment, Benny slipped past her and ran into the hallway.
That split second changed everything.
According to the officer, Benny “charged” at him. Moments later, the officer drew his firearm and opened fire.
Benny was shot and died minutes later.
The hallway that had just echoed with the excitement of a family celebration was suddenly filled with screams of grief. Elena was hysterical, devastated, and unable to understand how her dog — a dog neighbors described as affectionate and playful, not aggressive — could be shot so quickly.
Those who knew Benny say he was not dangerous. He was not a threat. He was a cherished family companion wearing a basketball jersey on what should have been a happy night.
The neighbor who made the call has since apologized and is reportedly heartbroken over what happened, realizing that the screams were not cries for help but sounds of celebration.
Now, a family that had gathered to celebrate a long-awaited sports victory is mourning a loss they say never should have happened. Benny’s final moments were not spent curled up beside the people who loved him, but frightened and wounded in an apartment hallway.
A joyful night became a tragedy. A beloved dog is gone. And a family is left with the painful question of why.
Rest in peace, Benny.
