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 that he was part of a group that assaulted Ryan Fisher while he was walking with three French bulldogs owned by the singer in Hollywood in February 2021.
James Howard Jackson
“The plea agreement holds James Howard Jackson responsible for a ruthless and violent act and delivers justice for our victims,” a statement from the attorney general’s office said.
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 escaped but then returned to sit near the injured employee.
Ryan Fisher later revealed on Instagram that he had suffered lung damage.
Ryan Fisher in the hospital after the 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 had found them tied to a pole, before she too was arrested. According to the police, the woman was in a relationship with the father of one of the attackers, and she was assigned the task of 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 his 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, as their small size and high price make them prime targets for resale on the black market.