Man who shot Lady Gaga’s dog walker gets prison sentence

The man who shot Lady Gaga’s dog walker and stole the pop star’s French bulldogs in early 2021 was sentenced Monday to 21 years in prison.

According to prosecutors, James Howard Jackson and two accomplices drove around several cities around Los Angeles on Feb. 24, 2021 “looking for French bulldogs.” The group found Ryan Fischer with Lady Gaga’s three pets near Sunset Boulevard and robbed him. During the robbery, Jackson shot Fischer. Two of the dogs, Koji and Gustav, were taken and the third dog, Asia, managed to escape.

Officials and investigators said the thieves likely did not know the dogs belonged to Lady Gaga when they were taken and targeted the dogs because of their high resale value.

Jennifer McBride, who was eventually also charged in connection with the crime, returned the dogs several days later and attempted to obtain a reward for the animals. Three other suspects, Jaylin White, Lafayette Whaley and Harold White, were also charged.

Jackson pleaded no contest to one count of attempted murder, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

“The plea agreement holds Mr. Jackson accountable for perpetrating a coldhearted violent act and provides justice for our victim,” the office said in a statement.

According to reports, Lady Gaga paid for Fischer’s medical bills during his months-long recovery.

“I continue to love you Ryan Fischer, you risked your life to fight for our family,” she said at the time. “You’re forever a hero.”

With News Wire Services