Judge halts Rihanna shooting case, sends suspect to mental health court over competency concerns
A judge on Tuesday paused the criminal case against a Florida woman accused of attempting to kill singer Rihanna and committing multiple other felonies, ordering that she undergo a mental competency evaluation before the case can proceed. The decision temporarily moves the case to a specialized mental health court in Hollywood that will determine whether the defendant can understand the legal proceedings and assist in her own defense.
The defendant, 35-year-old Ivanna Lisette Ortiz of Orlando, has pleaded not guilty to allegations that she opened fire on a Los Angeles-area home belonging to Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their children while they were inside. Her attorney raised concerns about her mental fitness, prompting the court to order psychiatric evaluations. If she is found incompetent, she could be committed to a state hospital until she is deemed able to stand trial. A future court appearance has been scheduled as the evaluation process moves forward.
Authorities allege that on March 8, Ortiz drove to the property and fired more than 20 rounds from an AR-15-style rifle toward the home and a neighboring residence. No injuries were reported, but bullets struck an Airstream trailer where the family was staying, as well as the exterior wall of a second-floor nursery where children were present with a nanny. Investigators said Ortiz later told police she did not intend to commit murder.
Ortiz faces numerous charges, including multiple counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and several counts related to shooting at an occupied dwelling or vehicle. She remains in custody on bail set at nearly $2 million. Officials have not identified a motive or any known connection between Ortiz and the family. Public records indicate she had no prior criminal history and previously worked as a licensed speech pathologist.
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