Authorities Offer Reward For Suspect Accused Of Shooting Lady Gaga's Dog Walker

In April, the man who allegedly shot Lady Gaga's dog walker was mistakenly released from a Los Angeles jail. In July 2022, the U.S. Marshals Service announced a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the capture of 19-year-old James Howard Jackson, who faces charges including attempted murder and second-degree robbery.

According to a news release, Jackson was erroneously released from custody due to a clerical error.

On Feb. 24, 2021, Ryan Fischer was walking Gaga’s three French bulldogs, Gustavo, Koji, and Miss Asia, on N. Sierra Bonita Avenue in Los Angeles around 9:30 p.m. when Jackson allegedly shot him from a white car and stole two of the pups.

Footage from the scene obtained by L.A.’s KABC-TV showed Fischer on the ground and clinging to Miss Asia. The dog walker appeared alert and was able to communicate with first responders before they rushed him to the hospital, the news outlet reported.

Fischer, then 30, sustained a through-and-through gunshot wound to his chest. He was critically injured but survived.

Police arrested five people in connection with the attack. Jackson, Jaylin White, 19, and Lafayette Whaley, 27, were all charged with one count of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, and second-degree robbery. Harold White, 42, and Jennifer McBride, 51, were accused of being accessories after the shooting.

Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, offered a $500,000 reward for the return of her dogs, Koji and Gustav. According to the New York Times, McBride responded to a reward email to report she had found the dogs. Two days after the attack, the dogs were returned.

According to the U.S. Marshals, Jackson should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts are asked to contact law enforcement. Tips may be submitted via the USMS Tips app.