Shawn Johnson can finally breathe easy now that California Judge Michael Pastor found her stalker, Robert O’Ryan guilty of felony stalking. According to the Associated Press the verdict also included burglary charges plus two misdemeanor weapons violations.
On March 23, 2009 Florida resident Robert O’Ryan drove to Los Angeles and hopped the fence at ABC Studios where Shawn Johnson was filming “Dancing with the Stars.” When police arrested O’Ryan they found a roll of duct tape, 2 loaded guns, love letters, Shawn Johnson memorabilia, and zip ties in his vehicle.
When police spoke with Robert O’Ryan about the ordeal O’Ryan said he “was meant to be” with Johnson and he “felt they would have a good relationship.” He also claimed that Johnson was speaking to him personally through the television and via ESP.
Soon after the incident Shawn Johnson filed a restraining order for her protection which included her parents and “Dancing with the Stars” partner Mark Ballas.
Shawn Johnson testified in court on Thursday, June 10th saying she was afraid of Robert O’Ryan and said “To see somebody have that much obsession, it made me really scared.” I personally believe everyone can agree with her statement.
As a tot, Shawn Johnson had a love for climbing and was enrolled at the “Chow and Li of Chow’s Gymnastic and Dance” studio in West Des Moines, Iowa when she was just 6 years old. She started to compete at age 7 and has won numerous medals and titles that include 2008 Olympic Women’s Gymnastics Gold and Silver Medalist, 2007 World Women’s Gymnastics Champion, and 2007/08 U.S. National Champion.
In addition to gymnastics Johnson has made appearances on “The Today Show,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and a cameo appearance on “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
Regardless of the issues surrounding Robert O’Ryan, Johnson shows no signs of slowing down or giving up doing what matters most to her. She continues to give back to the community and has been voted “Iowa’s Most Famous Sports Figure” in the Des Moines Register Survey.
Sources:
NY Daily News
Associated Press
Shawn Johnson
