LOS ANGELES (AP) – A woman named Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, aged 35, from Orlando, Florida, is facing serious charges, including attempting to murder renowned singer Rihanna. Ortiz is set to appear in court on Wednesday, where she is expected to enter a formal plea. On March 8, during a troubling incident at Rihanna's Beverly Hills residence, Ortiz allegedly opened fire on the property, endangering multiple individuals, including Rihanna, her hip-hop partner A$AP Rocky, their three young children, and other personnel present at the scene.
Following the incident, Ortiz has been charged with 10 counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and three counts of shooting at an occupied vehicle or dwelling. During her initial appearance at the Los Angeles Superior Court on March 11, her lawyer entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf but later withdrew that plea in favor of postponing the arraignment. As of now, Ortiz remains in jail with a bail set at $1.8 million. If convicted on all charges, she faces the possibility of life imprisonment.
The Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman disclosed that at the time of the shooting, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were inside an Airstream trailer, while Rihanna's mother, their children, and several staff members were in the main house. The charges of firing at an occupied dwelling pertain to three locations: Rihanna's house, the trailer where the couple was present, and a neighbor’s house. The assault charges relate to Rihanna and her family, two staff members, and two individuals residing in the neighboring property.
Hochman refrained from discussing the specifics of the bullets’ trajectories, potential motives for the attack, or any known connection between Ortiz and Rihanna, emphasizing that those details are still under investigation.
Ivanna Lisette Ortiz has held a license as a speech pathologist for over a decade, indicating a professional background that contrasts sharply with the nature of her alleged crimes. The Public Defender’s Office has publicly stated their commitment to ensuring that Ortiz receives full constitutional protections during the judicial process.
Rihanna, a celebrated artist with a remarkable career, has garnered nine Grammy Awards and produced 14 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including popular tracks like “We Found Love,” “Work,” “Umbrella,” and “Disturbia.” In addition to her music career, Rihanna has established a successful makeup brand, Fenty Beauty, which she launched in 2017. Recently, she and A$AP Rocky announced the birth of their third child, a girl named Rocki Irish Mayers, in September.
This incident raises significant concerns regarding celebrity safety and underscores the importance of addressing threats effectively. As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the courtroom as Ortiz enters her plea and the investigation into this alarming event continues.
