The Florida woman accused of firing multiple shots at Rihanna’s Los Angeles home has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and a series of related felony charges, marking the latest development in a case that has drawn widespread attention.
Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, entered her plea on Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court through a public defender assigned to the case. Prosecutors allege that Ortiz drove to Rihanna’s Beverly Crest mansion on March 8 and fired a semiautomatic rifle at the property around 1:15 p.m. local time.
According to authorities, multiple people were inside the home, as well as in a neighboring property, at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported.
Court filings state that Ortiz allegedly fired approximately 20 rounds before leaving the scene. Investigators later located her white Tesla about eight miles away at a shopping center in Sherman Oaks, where she was taken into custody.
Ortiz now faces a range of serious charges, including attempted murder, 10 felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and three felony counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or camper. If convicted, she could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
During the court proceedings, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott argued against reducing Ortiz’s bail, citing the severity of the allegations and the risk posed to those inside the home. Prosecutors also claimed Ortiz had a wig in her possession, which they allege was intended as a disguise, suggesting the incident may have been planned.
The court set bail at $1.875 million, and Ortiz remains in custody. A judge also ordered that she is not permitted to work as a speech pathologist in California while the case proceeds.
Ortiz is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on April 8, where further details of the case are expected to be reviewed.
Representatives for Rihanna and Ortiz’s attorney have not publicly commented on the case.
