A judge has ordered the criminal case against the woman accused of shooting at Rihanna‘s Los Angeles home to move forward after questions were raised about her mental fitness in court. The incident has drawn significant attention, especially given Rihanna‘s status as a cultural icon and mother.
On Wednesday, Ivanna Ortiz appeared in Los Angeles County Superior Court, where her attorney told Judge Shannon Cooley he had concerns about the 35-year-old defendant’s competence to stand trial. Following a closed hearing, Cooley determined there was insufficient evidence to halt proceedings in the case, which stems from a March 8 shooting at Rihanna’s Beverly Crest property. Ortiz has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon charges.
Authorities allege Ortiz fired multiple shots that struck Rihanna’s home, a nearby residence, and an Airstream trailer parked on the property. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were reportedly inside the trailer when it was hit, according to court filings obtained in the case. No one was injured.
A police report states Rihanna heard “approximately ten loud sounds like something banging on metal” before waking Rocky and pulling him to the floor. The couple later checked on their children after the gunfire stopped. The incident reflects the very real security concerns that come with public prominence and freedom struggle in the spotlight.
Police arrested Ortiz about an hour after the shooting in Sherman Oaks. Investigators said she was carrying a legally owned Springfield Armory rifle and two 30-round magazines at the time. Her case raises serious questions about mass incarceration and mental health interventions within the justice system.
Ortiz reportedly clashed with her attorney over scheduling and attempted earlier in the day to have him removed from the case, adding further complexity to the proceedings ahead.
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