The suspect accused of launching a frightening attack on the home of Rihanna’s thriving family while the pop star and her three young children were inside has made her first court appearance.
On March 9, dispatch audio was released from the chaotic moments immediately following the incident as
The woman, identified as 35-year-old Orlando resident Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, arrived in court shortly after being formally charged for attempted murder. Her lawyer entered a plea but then withdrew it, and a second appearance was scheduled for March 25, per TMZ. She has no known association to Rihanna or A$AP Rocky. Ortiz was not shown on camera during the brief proceedings, but was heard replaying with the word “yes” when asked if she agreed to waive her right to a speedy arraignment.
Bail was set at $1.8 million, down several million from the initial $10.225 million she was held on after being arrested. The court ordered Ortiz to surrender her weapons and issued protective orders for Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Ortiz waived her right to a speedy trial, per the report.
Ortiz, who has a history of mental health struggles was previously Baker Acted in Florida, was seen rambling incomprehensibly about Rihanna in a series of resurfaced social media videos. She has targeted other celebrities including Cardi B in previous online posts.
Investigators Swarmed Rihanna’s Mansion After Attack
Fox 11 Los Angeles reports police launched an “urgent investigation” at Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home after it was targeted in a gunfire attack. Around 10 shots were fired from an AR-15 style weapon.
Rihanna and her partner A$AP Rocky were on the property with their children and several others. A total of around 10 people were present, per CBS. There were no reported injures, although a gate, RV, and exterior walls were struck by bullets, with one bullet “punching through the wall,” per the report. The suspect fired the shots from a white Tesla before driving away and being apprehended in a parking lot around 8 miles from the neighborhood.
Rihanna’s Neighbors Speak Out About the Shooting
A resident of the area who heard the gunfire, identified as Keith England, told the station, “It was scary. I can’t imagine being in the house. Cause you’re hearing the bullets hitting and that sort of stuff.” The station says they were told that gunfire “echoed through the neighborhood.” He added that he has “no idea” why the “Talk That Talk” songstress was targeted.
“Bam bam bam bam! Probably 10 shots,” England said, recalling the terrifying moment. He went on, “My first thought was ‘really’!? Because given the neighborhood, you don’t usually expect there to be drive-by shootings in a place like this. But they’re everywhere, now.”
Another nearby neighbor, Isabel Thorne, recalled, “It was really loud. And everything echoes in this valley, so you can hear everything.” She continued, “It’s just L.A. Unfortunately it’s become something that’s normal.”
