The woman accused of opening fire with an AR-15-style rifle outside Rihanna's Los Angeles home while the singer and her family were inside has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other felony charges, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Prosecutors identified the suspect as 35-year-old Ivanna Lisette Ortiz of Orlando, Florida. She entered her plea in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom through her public defender and spoke only briefly to waive her right to a speedy preliminary hearing. Ortiz remains in custody on multimillion-dollar bail.
Ortiz is charged with one count of attempted murder, 10 counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and three counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle, according to court records, according to ABC News.
If convicted on all counts, she could face a potential life sentence, authorities said. Prosecutors described the case as an extremely serious attack that put multiple people at risk.
The shooting happened on Mar. 8 at Rihanna's Beverly Hills-area mansion, where she lives with partner A$AP Rocky and their three young children. Law enforcement officials said Rihanna and several family members and staff were at home when shots were fired. No injuries were reported, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Investigators allege Ortiz drove to the property and fired numerous rounds from an AR-15-style weapon from or near her vehicle toward the home's gate and exterior. Officials said bullets struck the gate, an exterior wall, and an RV parked in the driveway. Estimates from police and prosecutors have ranged from about 10 to roughly 20 shots fired.
Police arrested Ortiz soon after the gunfire and recovered an assault-style rifle and spent casings from her vehicle, according to Los Angeles authorities. Prosecutors argued in court that she arrived with a loaded weapon, ammunition, and a disguise, calling the incident premeditated. A judge kept bail high after the prosecution said the shooting could have resulted in multiple deaths.
Officials have not publicly disclosed a motive for the attack. The case will next move to a preliminary hearing, where a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to send Ortiz to trial. Neither Rihanna nor her representatives have commented in detail on the court proceedings so far, as per US News.
