Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting Case Targeting Rihanna’s Home
Rihanna was at home with her family when a woman allegedly opened fire outside her Beverly Hills residence earlier this month, according to prosecutors. The suspect, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, has now pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges connected to the incident.
Ortiz, 35, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, where she entered her plea through a public defender. She faces a series of serious charges, including attempted murder, multiple counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and shooting at an inhabited dwelling. If convicted, she could face a life sentence.
Prosecutors described the March 8 incident as deliberate and highly dangerous. Assistant Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott argued that Ortiz’s actions showed clear intent and planning, opposing any effort to reduce her bail.
According to Bott, Ortiz drove to the residence, positioned her vehicle, and fired approximately 20 rounds from an AR-15-style rifle toward the property. At the time of the shooting, Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky (born Rakim Mayers), their three children, and Rihanna’s mother were all present.
Authorities said the family was located in an Airstream trailer parked on the property rather than inside the main house when the shooting occurred. No injuries were reported.
Investigators documented multiple points of impact around the residence. Court filings indicate that at least six bullets struck the main vehicle gate, with another hitting a pedestrian gate. Additional damage was found inside the property, including bullet holes in a wooden fence partially concealed by hedges.
Witnesses reported seeing a white Tesla Model 3 with a temporary license plate leaving the scene shortly after the gunfire. Law enforcement quickly located the vehicle with the assistance of a police helicopter, leading to Ortiz’s arrest.
Prosecutors also pointed to alleged behavior before the shooting as evidence of premeditation. According to court documents, Ortiz had posted a series of erratic messages on social media in the weeks leading up to the incident, some of which directly referenced Rihanna.
In one video posted online in January, Ortiz addressed the singer by name, making statements that prosecutors later cited as concerning. Additional posts in February reportedly continued that pattern, with direct tags and messages aimed at Rihanna.
Authorities have not publicly established a direct connection between Ortiz and the singer beyond those posts.
Ortiz is a licensed speech-language pathologist in California, a detail that became relevant during the court proceedings. Ahead of the hearing, a state regulatory official filed a request asking the court to bar Ortiz from practicing during the duration of the criminal case.
Judge Theresa McGonigle granted that request, ordering that Ortiz cease practicing in her professional capacity while the case moves forward. Her bail was set at $1.875 million, and she remains in custody.
Prosecutors emphasized that the situation could have resulted in multiple casualties. In court, Bott described the incident as the kind of conduct that posed a significant risk to both the intended target and the surrounding community.
Investigators are expected to continue reviewing evidence, including ballistic reports and digital records, as part of the ongoing proceedings. No trial date has been announced.
