A man who violently assaulted an employee of American singer Lady Gaga for kidnapping her dogs was sentenced to 21 years in prison on Monday in Los Angeles.
James Howard Jackson, 20, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, admitting he was part of a group that assaulted Ryan Fisher as he walked three French bulldogs owned by the singer in Hollywood in February 2021.
JamesHoward Jackson
“The plea deal holds James Howard Jackson accountable for a ruthless and violent act and brings justice to our victims,” the attorney general’s office said in a statement.
Surveillance cameras showed footage Two men get out of a car nearby of the employee before being shot in the chest.
The two men then grabbed two of the dogs and fled, leaving Ryan Fisher on the ground bleeding. A third dog ran away but then returned to sit next to the injured employee.
Ryan Fisher later revealed on Instagram that he suffered lung damage.
Ryan Fisher in hospital after attack
Lady Gaga, famous for many hit songs, including “Just Dance” or “Bad Romance”, offered a reward. $500,000 for returning her two dogs.
They were brought back by a woman who said she found them tied to a post before she too was arrested. According to police, the woman was having an affair with the father of one of the attackers, and she had been entrusted with collecting the reward on their behalf.
James Howard Jackson was released on April 6 after an administrative error and was arrested again four months later.
This punishment comes after the sentencing of her two partners, Gaylen Kishon White, 20, Four years’ imprisonmentand Lafayette Sean Wiley, 28, to six years in prison.
The case showed how popular these dogs are with stars and criminals alike, as their small size and high price tag make them prime targets for resale on the black market.
