Ivanna Lisette Ortiz pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday to multiple charges stemming from a shooting earlier this month at the Beverly Hills estate of singer Rihanna. The 35-year-old Florida resident faces one count of attempted murder and 10 felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
Ortiz is also charged with three felony counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or camper. During the hearing, the judge maintained her bail at $1.875 million, denying a defense request to reduce the amount to $70,000 based on her ability to pay.
The incident occurred on March 8 at approximately 1:15 p.m. while Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their three children were inside the residence. Authorities allege Ortiz fired approximately 20 rounds from a white Tesla parked across from the property’s gate.
Law enforcement reports indicate that at least one round penetrated a wall of the mansion. Evidence of gunfire was also discovered on the property gate and a nearby RV, though no injuries were reported among the occupants or bystanders.
Following the shooting, police located a vehicle matching the description traveling south on Coldwater Canyon Drive. Ortiz was apprehended at a shopping center in Sherman Oaks approximately 30 minutes after the initial emergency call was placed.
A search of the vehicle yielded a semiautomatic AR-style rifle and seven spent shell casings. Ortiz, a licensed speech pathologist, had reportedly posted cryptic messages on social media directed at the pop star in the weeks leading up to the attack.
One Facebook post from late February allegedly read, "Say something to me directly instead of sneaking around like you talking to me." Investigators have not yet confirmed a specific motive for the shooting.
Ortiz's attorney, Deputy Public Defender Derek Ray Dillman, entered the plea as his client stood in the custody area. Ortiz only spoke to waive her right to a speedy preliminary hearing.
If convicted on all charges, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office continues to lead the prosecution as the case moves toward trial.