Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Alleged Shooting at Rihanna’s Los Angeles Home

A woman accused of opening fire near the Los Angeles home of global pop icon Rihanna has denied all charges in court, as the high-profile case begins to unfold.

The suspect, identified as Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, appeared before the Los Angeles County Superior Court where she pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and multiple additional felony charges.

Prosecutors allege that the 35-year-old deliberately targeted the singer’s Beverly Crest residence earlier this month.

According to court filings, Ortiz is accused of driving to the property on March 8 and firing multiple rounds from a semiautomatic rifle toward the home.

Authorities claim the alleged attack put several people in danger, including Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, their children, and others believed to have been inside the residence or nearby at the time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Investigators further allege that Ortiz fired approximately 20 rounds before fleeing the scene. Her vehicle was later tracked to a shopping centre in Sherman Oaks, roughly 12 kilometers away, where she was arrested.

During court proceedings, prosecutors argued that the suspect may have planned the incident in advance, citing the discovery of a wig they believe was intended as a disguise.

The seriousness of the allegations prompted the court to deny a request from the defence to lower Ortiz’s bail, which currently stands at $1.875 million.ALSO READ: Rihanna Welcomes Third Child, First Daughter

In addition to the attempted murder charge, Ortiz is facing multiple counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, as well as charges related to shooting at an occupied residence.

Each assault charge corresponds to an individual allegedly placed in harm’s way during the incident.

The court has also barred Ortiz, who works as a speech pathologist, from practicing her profession in California while the case is ongoing.

She remains in custody and is expected back in court for a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 8. If convicted on all counts, Ortiz could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Representatives for both the accused and Rihanna have yet to publicly comment on the case.