A Florida woman has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including attempted murder, after prosecutors said she fired gunshots at singer Rihanna’s Los Angeles residence earlier this month.
The defendant, Ivana Lisette Ortiz, entered the plea through her lawyer during a brief appearance at Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday. She is facing 14 charges, including one count of attempted murder and 10 felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.
Judge Theresa McGonigle declined a request to reduce Ortiz’s bail, which remains set at $1.875 million. The court also ruled that Ortiz, 35, cannot work as a licensed speech therapist in California while legal proceedings continue.
Ortiz, who is from Orlando, could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
Prosecutors allege Ortiz drove to the front of Rihanna’s home in the Beverly Crest area on a Sunday afternoon and fired approximately 20 gunshots. According to court filings, the Grammy-winning singer, her partner A$AP Rocky and their three young children were inside the property at the time. No injuries were reported.
“This is the kind of conduct that easily could have resulted in numerous homicides,” Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott told the court.
Authorities said Ortiz fled after the incident but was arrested a short time later in Los Angeles. Prosecutors told the court she was located in a vehicle containing a rifle and a wig that was allegedly intended as a disguise.
Rihanna, known for hit songs including “We Found Love” and “Umbrella,” has won nine Grammy Awards.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
