Ryan Fischer – the dog walker formerly employed by Oscar-winning songwriter Lady Gaga – testified about fighting for his life before an LA County Grand Jury back on October 26, and the transcript was just unsealed.
The 41-year-old Ohio native was shot through the lung on February 24, 2021 when three men stole two of his famous boss’ French Bulldogs, Koji and Gustav.
During the scuffle, Ryan was choked and then hit the gunman – alleged to be 19-year-old James Jackson – with a bottle of champagne he had just purchased at a nearby store.
Victim: Ryan Fischer – the dog walker formerly employed by Oscar-winning songwriter Lady Gaga – testified about fighting for his life before an LA County Grand Jury back on October 26, and the transcript was just unsealed (pictured March 13)
‘The dog screamed at me, and I reached for him, and then the guy, the man with the gun shot me as I was reaching,’ Fischer said – according to Rolling Stone.
‘I immediately tried to call for help but realized I was bleeding out of my lung and that I was losing more and more air quickly.’
Fischer spent a week recovering from surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, before returning two days later when his lung collapsed again and he underwent a second surgery.
‘I consented to part of my lung being removed. The top third of my lung being removed as well as the bottom portion as well,’ said Ryan – who still suffers from breathing issues, numbness, and nerve damage.
Gang initiation: The 41-year-old Ohio native was shot through the lung on February 24, 2021 when three men stole two of his famous boss’ French Bulldogs, Gustav (3-R) and Koji (2-R)
‘The man with the gun shot me’: During the scuffle, Ryan was choked and then hit the gunman – alleged to be 19-year-old James Jackson – with a bottle of champagne he had just purchased at a nearby store
‘I consented to part of my lung being removed’: Fischer spent a week recovering from surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, before returning two days later when his lung collapsed again and he underwent a second surgery
‘When I go from the ground up to stand, I have to, I still get very close to passing out. So I have to take a moment with that.’
Jackson and his alleged accomplices Jaylin White, 20; and Lafayette Whaley, 28; were ‘identified through an exhaustive investigation that uncovered surveillance video of the Nissan Sentra’s license plate.’
Police then tracked a rental car used to deliver the two dogs to defendant Jennifer McBride, who told police two days later that she ‘randomly found them tied to a pole.’
All five suspects (including gang member Harold White) have plead not guilty to ‘attempted murder and armed robbery’ and ‘accessories after the fact,’ and the next court hearing is scheduled for for April 5.
Ryan – who still suffers from breathing issues, numbness, and nerve damage – added: ‘When I go from the ground up to stand, I have to, I still get very close to passing out. So I have to take a moment with that’
Dog mom: The 12-time Grammy winner – turning 36 on Monday – called Ryan ‘forever a hero’ and paid for all of his medical expenses (pictured in 2017)
‘I felt abandoned and unsupported’: Fischer has spent the last year on a ‘sabbatical’ receiving therapy, trauma treatment, and driving around the country in his brand new camper (pictured July 30)
‘They were not aware that Gaga was the owner, the police said, amid claims robberies were part of a gang initiation.’
The 12-time Grammy winner – turning 36 on Monday – called Ryan ‘forever a hero’ and paid for all of his medical expenses.
Fischer – who ‘felt abandoned and unsupported’ – has spent the last year on a ‘sabbatical’ receiving therapy, trauma treatment, and driving around the country in his brand new camper.
Ryan’s road life was financed through his GoFundMe, which amassed $45,737 of a $40,000 goal from 756 donations.
Exceeded his goal: Ryan’s road life was financed through his GoFundMe, which amassed $45,737 of a $40,000 goal from 756 donations
On Saturday, Ryan left New Orleans: ‘Thank you for healing me in ways I didn’t know I needed’