Florida Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Attempted Murder Case Involving Rihanna
A woman from Florida has entered a plea of "not guilty" to charges of attempted murder against global music icon Rihanna. Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, a 35-year-old resident of Orlando, made the plea through her attorney in Los Angeles Superior Court, where she faces more than a dozen felony counts related to a shooting incident at the singer's Beverly Hills property.
Multiple Felony Charges and Potential Life Sentence
Ortiz is charged with 10 counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and three counts of shooting at an occupied vehicle or dwelling. Prosecutors allege that if convicted on all charges, she could receive a life sentence in prison. The case stems from an incident on March 8, when Ortiz allegedly pulled up to Rihanna's home and fired approximately 20 bullets from an AR-15 style rifle into the exterior wall.
According to court documents, Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their three young children were among those assaulted during the shooting. The three counts of firing at a dwelling specifically target Rihanna's main house, an Airstream trailer on the property where the couple was located, and a neighboring residence.
Court Appearance and Bail Request Denied
During her court appearance, Ortiz appeared behind glass in a custody area, wearing yellow jail clothes with her blond hair styled in braids. Her lawyer, Deputy Public Defender Derek Ray Dillman, entered the plea on her behalf. Ortiz spoke only to agree to waive her right to a speedy preliminary hearing, which is the next phase where evidence will be presented to determine if a trial is warranted.
Dillman requested that her bail be reduced from $1.9 million to $70,000 based on her ability to pay, but Judge Theresa McGonigle denied the request and maintained the original bail amount. The prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott, argued against the reduction, stating Ortiz represents a major risk to the community and would likely flee if released.
Prosecutor's Arguments and Investigation Details
"This case involves a dangerous, deliberate shooting into occupied homes," Bott said in court. "This is the kind of conduct that could easily have resulted in multiple homicides." He revealed that when Ortiz was arrested hours after the shooting, she was found alone in her car with the rifle, additional ammunition, and a wig intended for use as a disguise.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman provided further context, noting that Rihanna and Rocky were together in the trailer during the incident, while her mother, their children, and staff members were in the main house. The 10 assault counts apply to Rihanna and family members, two staffers, and two individuals in the neighboring house.
Background and Professional Consequences
Public records indicate that Ortiz has been a licensed speech pathologist for over a decade. Following the state attorney general's request, Judge McGonigle ruled that she should be prevented from practicing in California while the case proceeds.
Hochman declined to disclose where the bullets landed, discuss a potential motive, or describe any connection between Ortiz and Rihanna, stating that all aspects remain under active investigation. His office is also examining social media posts from Ortiz in the days leading up to the gunfire.
The case continues to develop as authorities gather evidence and prepare for the preliminary hearing, which will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed to trial.
