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Judge in Lady Gaga dognapping case denies teenage suspect lower bail

Lady Gaga, her pet bulldogs Koji and Gustav, and her dogwalker Ryan Fischer
A judge has denied a request to lower bail for a teenager charged with attempted murder after Lady Gaga’s dogwalker was shot (Picture: Instagram)

A judge has denied a request to lower the bail for a teenager charged with attempted murder after Lady Gaga’s dogwalker Ryan Fischer was shot in Hollywood.

Jaylin White, 19, is one of five who has been accused after two of the singer’s three French bulldogs – named Koji and Gustav – were stolen at gunpoint in February.

The pets were returned after an extensive appeal by Gaga and a $500,000 (£360,000) reward.

White, alongside James Jackson, 18, and Lafayette Whaley, 27, has denied charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and second-degree robbery.

Two others are alleged to have been accessories to the attack.

During a preliminary hearing in court in Los Angeles on Friday (June 11), White’s lawyer, Alex Kessel, argued that his client’s bail – which is $1,050,000 (£744,000) – had been set too high and the evidence failed to support a charge of attempted murder in his case at it is Jackson who is accused of being the gunman.

Mr Kessel has also said that White has no prior convictions, does not pose a flight risk and the bail was excessive.

Lady Gaga's pet bulldogs, Koji and Gustav
Lady Gaga’s French bulldogs – named Koji and Gustav – were stolen at gunpoint in February (Picture: Instagram)

Prosecutor Michele Hanisee opposed the motion to lower White’s bail and told the court that he posed a threat to the safety of the public and Fischer, who survived his gunshot wound.

Hanisee said that when White was arrested, a semi-automatic 9mm Glock was found hidden in a toilet tank at his girlfriend’s flat.

The court heard that White allegedly posed with large quantities of cash on Instagram, and he appeared to be attempting to purchase high-value items, including a French bulldog.

Lady Gaga's dogwalker Ryan Fischer
Ryan Fischer was shot while walking Gaga’s dogs, and later recovered from his injury in hospital (Picture: Instagram)

Judge Michael Gracia denied the request to lower bail.

He said: ‘The court finds there is no clear and convincing evidence he [White] is not a danger to the community and bail will remain as it stands.’

Fischer had been walking Gaga’s dogs in West Hollywood in February when he was shot on Sierra Bonita Avenue.

After being taken to hospital, Fischer made a full recovery and returned to work in May.

Gaga had also reportedly offered to pay her dogwalker’s medical bills following the incident.

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