By Our Correspondent
National News – A 35-year-old Florida woman, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and several related charges after allegedly firing multiple gunshots at the Los Angeles mansion of global music star Rihanna.
The suspect entered the plea on Wednesday at the Los Angeles County Superior Court in Los Angeles, United States.
Authorities say the shooting occurred on 8 March at about 1:15 p.m. local time when Ortiz allegedly drove to the singer’s home and fired around 20 rounds from a semiautomatic rifle toward the property.
Prosecutors claim Ortiz targeted Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Fenty, as well as rapper A$AP Rocky—born Rakim Mayers—their three children and others present in the house at the time.
No injuries were reported despite the gunfire. Court documents also list several other alleged victims, including Rihanna’s mother, Monica Fenty.
Investigators say the suspect allegedly arrived at the Beverly Crest property armed with an AR-style rifle and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
According to authorities, her white Tesla vehicle was later found about eight miles away at a shopping centre in Sherman Oaks, where she was arrested by police.
During the court hearing, prosecutor Alexander Bott told the court that the accused allegedly brought a wig intended to serve as a disguise, suggesting the attack may have been premeditated.
Ortiz, who works as a speech pathologist, remains in custody with bail set at $1.875 million.
The court also imposed a restriction preventing Ortiz from practising as a speech pathologist in California while the case proceeds.
Her defence attorney had requested a reduction in bail, but the judge declined the request due to the seriousness of the allegations.
Ortiz faces more than a dozen criminal charges, including 10 felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and three felony counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling.
Each assault charge corresponds to a person prosecutors say she attempted to shoot during the incident.
If convicted on the most serious charges, Ortiz could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
She is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on 8 April.
