Judge pushes Rihanna shooting case forward despite mental health concerns
A Los Angeles judge has ruled that the woman accused of opening fire outside Rihanna’s Beverly Hills property is competent to stand trial on attempted murder charges despite concerns raised by her legal team about her mental state.
The suspect, Ivanna Ortiz, appeared in court on Wednesday at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and shackles. Ortiz’s public defender requested an additional mental health evaluation before the court made its final ruling, but Judge Shannon K. Cooley ultimately determined that the case could proceed.
Ortiz previously pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and multiple felony charges connected to the March 8 shooting incident at Rihanna’s mansion. Prosecutors allege that Ortiz drove from Florida to California before carrying out the attack using a high-powered rifle.
According to authorities, both A$AP Rocky and Rihanna were inside an Airstream trailer on the property when gunfire struck the residence. The couple’s children, Rihanna’s mother and several staff members were reportedly inside the main house during the shooting. Officials also stated that nearby homes were hit by bullets.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the alleged attack as “calculated and deliberate,” claiming Ortiz fired nearly 20 rounds toward the estate.
Investigators later recovered an assault-style rifle linked to the suspect, who was arrested shortly after the incident near Sherman Oaks. Authorities also cited disturbing social media posts and videos allegedly uploaded by Ortiz in which she made bizarre claims about Rihanna.
If convicted, Ortiz could face life in prison.