The woman accused of opening fire near Rihanna’s Los Angeles residence is now facing serious criminal charges that could result in a life sentence if she is convicted. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, has been formally charged with one count of attempted murder, ten felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and three felony counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling. The charges stem from a shooting incident that took place on March 8outside the singer’s home in the Beverly Crest neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Authorities say Ortiz allegedly drove to the property at around 1:20 p.m. and fired several shots in the direction of the home using a semiautomatic weapon. At the time of the incident, Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, their three children, Rihanna’s mother, and two staff members were all inside the residence.
Fortunately, no one was injured during the shooting, though officials say the situation could have easily ended much differently.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman addressed the seriousness of the incident in a public statement, emphasizing the dangers of gun violence in residential neighborhoods. Authorities noted that firing a weapon in a populated area puts multiple lives at risk and will be prosecuted aggressively.
After the shooting, Ortiz reportedly fled the scene but was arrested shortly afterward in Sherman Oaks, several miles away from Rihanna’s home.
During a recent court appearance, the suspect appeared wearing a blue jail jumpsuit, and the court ordered that she stay away from Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Her bail has been set at $1.875 million, and she is scheduled to return to court on March 25 for arraignment.
If convicted on all charges, Ortiz could face life in state prison.
Legal representatives from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, who have been appointed to represent Ortiz, stated that they cannot comment on the allegations while the case remains pending in court. They emphasized that the defendant is entitled to all constitutional protections during the legal process.
The incident shocked fans and observers around the world, particularly because Rihanna and her family were inside the home when the gunfire occurred. Law enforcement officials later noted that those present “easily could have been hit” if circumstances had unfolded differently.
As the case moves forward through the court system, investigators and prosecutors will continue examining the events that led to the shooting and the suspect’s actions before and after the incident.
Source: Entertainment Weekly; Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office statement.