Rihanna Shooting Suspect Ivanna Lisette Ortiz Pleads Not Guilty to Attempted Murder
Florida speech pathologist faces life in prison after allegedly firing an AR-15 at the singer’s Beverly Hills home while her family was present.
Ivanna Lisette Ortiz faces life imprisonment following the dramatic March 8 attack on the global icon’s residence.
Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, formally entered a not guilty plea through her attorney in a Los Angeles court on March 25, 2026. The appearance follows a dramatic shooting incident on March 8, when authorities allege Ortiz drove to the Beverly Hills-area residence and discharged multiple rounds from a semi-automatic, AR-15-style rifle.
The Incident: Ten People Under Fire
According to investigators, Rihanna—whose legal name is Robyn Fenty—was at the property during the attack along with her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, their three young children, and several staffers. District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the couple was together in an Airstream trailer on the property at the time of the shooting, while Rihanna’s mother, children, and staffers were inside the main house.
Police reports indicate gunfire struck the home’s front gate, the trailer, and even a neighboring property. Authorities reported that between seven and ten shots were fired in broad daylight; however, no injuries were reported. According to the LAPD, Ortiz was apprehended during a traffic stop in Sherman Oaks shortly after the incident, allegedly driving a white Tesla that matched witness descriptions.
Legal Stakes and Serious Charges
Ortiz appeared in court behind a glass partition, wearing yellow jail clothes, as her attorney entered a plea to 14 felony counts. The charges are led by a single count of attempted murder targeting Rihanna. Additionally, Ortiz faces ten felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm—representing the family members and staff present—along with three counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or vehicle.
If convicted on all counts, prosecutors note that Ortiz faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison. During the brief proceeding, Ortiz spoke only to waive her right to a speedy preliminary hearing. Her bail remains set at $1.8 million after the judge declined a defense request for a significant reduction.
Background and Unclear Motive
Public records indicate that Ortiz is a licensed speech pathologist from Orlando, Florida, with over a decade of professional practice. While a definitive motive remains under investigation, news outlets have reported that authorities are reviewing the suspect’s social media presence, including a video where she reportedly made disparaging and “alarming” remarks regarding the singer just months prior to the attack.
