A Florida woman entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday for the attempted murder of Rihanna. Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, hailing from Orlando, denied multiple felony charges in a Los Angeles Superior Court. Prosecutors claim that Ortiz, 35, targeted the music icon, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their children in a shooting incident on March 8 in Beverly Hills. She allegedly fired around 20 bullets from an AR-15-style rifle at their property.
Ortiz faces charges including 10 counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm and three counts of shooting at an occupied vehicle or dwelling, carrying a potential life sentence if convicted. Represented by her lawyer Derek Ray Dillman, Ortiz waived her right to a speedy preliminary hearing during the court appearance.
At the hearing, her attorney requested a bail reduction to $70,000 from the current $1.9 million, citing her financial situation. However, Judge Theresa McGonigle denied the request, emphasizing Ortiz’s perceived risk to the community and flight potential.
Deputy district attorney Alexander Bott highlighted the severity of the case, characterizing the shooting as a dangerous and intentional act with the potential for multiple fatalities. Upon Ortiz’s arrest following the incident, she was found in possession of the rifle, additional ammunition, and a wig for disguise.
Although Ortiz is a licensed speech pathologist, the court ruled, at the state attorney general’s request, to prohibit her from practicing in California. Both legal teams refrained from commenting to the media after the court session.
In a separate statement, district attorney Nathan Hochman disclosed that Rihanna and Rocky were in an Airstream trailer during the shooting, while family members and staff were in the main house. The charges against Ortiz include firing at Rihanna’s house, the trailer, and a neighboring residence, as well as assaulting Rihanna, family members, staff, and individuals in the neighboring house.
Hochman declined to reveal further details about the case, including the motive or any connection between Ortiz and Rihanna, stating that investigations are ongoing. He also mentioned that Ortiz’s social media activities before the incident were being scrutinized.
Rihanna, a nine-time Grammy winner, has a successful music career with numerous chart-topping hits and is known for founding the makeup brand Fenty Beauty. She recently welcomed her third child, a daughter named Rocki Irish Mayers, with A$AP Rocky in September.