The man who shot and wounded Lady Gaga‘s dog walker while stealing her French Bulldogs accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
James Howard Jackson, 20, pleaded no contest to one count of attempted murder and admitted to inflicting great bodily injury and to a prior strike.
Jackson was charged, along with four others, in April 2021 for the violent robbery that took place just months prior.
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“This was a brazen street crime that left a man seriously wounded,” District Attorney Gascón said in an April news release. “We have alleged very serious charges in this case and have faith that justice will be appropriately served as this case unfolds in court.”
The crime took place on February 24, 2021.
“A man was walking three French bulldogs, belonging to actress-singer Lady Gaga, when he was approached by [the defendants],” the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office said. “The defendants struggled with the victim who was allegedly shot by Jackson. They are accused of grabbing two of the prized dogs and fleeing in a vehicle.”
The victim, Ryan Fischer, gave an impact statement in court on Monday. He posted the statement to Instagram.
“I was beaten, strangled, shot and left to die bleeding out on a sidewalk and gasping for my life,” Fischer said. “I went into debt, contemplated suicide, and struggled, and continue to struggle, with my identity and how to move past such a life-changing, earth-shattering event.”
Fischer addressed Jackson directly.
“It’s something I’m still working on, but I do forgive you and everyone involved in the attack,” he said.
Fischer went on to express his hopes for Jackson, saying he hopes Jackson finds a purpose and calling.
Fischer concluded his statement by speaking to the negative impact guns have had on his life and “countless others.”
“I look forward to contributing to a future that doesn’t destroy so many lives and so many people in this country,” he said.
