A woman named Ivana Lisette Ortiz, who is accused of opening fire outside singer Rihanna’s Los Angeles home, has been formally charged with attempted murder and multiple gun-related offenses.
A woman is accused of trying to kill Rihanna
Days after her arrest, the suspect, who was jailed after Sunday’s shooting, faces 14 charges, prosecutors said Tuesday. According to various news reports, authorities have confirmed that Ortiz is charged with one count of attempted murder, 10 counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling, and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle. Ortiz could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted of all charges.
Bail was set at $1.8 million
According to the AP, Deputy Public Defender Jamarcus Bradford, Ortiz’s attorney, initially entered a not guilty plea on her behalf, but then withdrew it in favor of delaying the arraignment until March 25. She was ordered held on US$1.8 million bail. The suspect was previously booked on suspicion of attempted murder and held on US$10 million bail.
The shooter ordered the woman to stay away from Rihanna
Judge Teresa McGonigle issued a protective order for Ortiz to stay away from Robin Fenty and Rakim Myers — the legal names of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky — and their home.
McGonigle also said Ortiz is not allowed to possess any firearms or ammunition, along with several other conditions.Ortiz is scheduled to appear in court again on March 25 as the case continues.
Rihanna and her family were at home during the shooting
Rihanna and her rap star partner were together in a trailer on the property at the time of the shooting on Sunday afternoon, while other family members, including their three children and employees, were at the home in the Beverly Hills area, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said outside the court hearing.
The case is still under investigation
Hochman did not say where any of the bullets landed, say how long Ortiz had been in California, or discuss her motives or any connection to Rihanna, saying everything is under investigation.KABC-TV showed a video of what appeared to be five bullet holes in the front gate of the home. The news station obtained an audio message from police stating that 10 shots had been fired. The police confirmed in a statement that the shooting came from across the street.Authorities said shots were fired toward the home during the day while Rihanna was inside the home. No injuries were reported in the accident.The case is being handled by Los Angeles County prosecutors.
Rihanna leaves Los Angeles after shooting
According to TMZ, Rihanna and her family packed up and left their home shortly after the shooting. The singer was seen leaving her mansion with her team and boarding a plane out of town. It is unclear where she lives now.
