The man who shot Lady Gaga‘s dog walker last year was sentenced to 21 years in prison on Monday.
The 20-year-old man, identified as James Howard Jackson, pleaded no contest to the attempted murder charge. The dognapping shocked many, as the rising crime has been against Bulldogs and other expensive dog breeds. In August, Jackson was mistakenly freed from custody just four months after the incident happened.
In February 2021, Gaga’s dog walker, Ryan Fischer, was shot while walking her three French Bulldogs in Hollywood when three people robbed him. Two of the dogs were stolen but later returned to Gaga.
Fischer spoke in court Monday prior to Jackson’s sentencing.
“You shot me and left me to die, and both of our lives have changed forever,” Fischer said, per Rolling Stone. He continued, “I do forgive you. With the attack, you completely altered my life. I know I can’t completely move on from the night you shot me until I said those words to you. [The dogs] were returned and returned to their mom. I don’t think I could have lived with myself if they died.”
The District Attorney released a statement, “The plea agreement holds Mr. Jackson accountable for perpetrating a coldhearted violent act and provides justice for our victim,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said in a statement.”
Since the robbery, pet owners have been super protective and cautious of their dogs. This was one of many robberies associated with dogs.
