Woman charged with attempted murder for firing at Rihanna’s residence

A woman accused of opening fire near the residence of Rihanna in Beverly Hills is facing multiple felony charges that could send her to prison for life if convicted.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE magazine, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, of Orlando, has been charged with 14 felony counts following an alleged shooting incident near the singer’s Los Angeles property.

Prosecutors allege the act was "willful, deliberate, and premeditated."

Ortiz has been charged with one count of attempted murder for allegedly trying to kill Rihanna, along with 10 counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and three counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or camper. If convicted as charged, she faces up to life in state prison.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed the charges on Tuesday and strongly condemned the incident.

"Thankfully, no one was injured in this shooting, but this careless violence will not be tolerated in our community. Such shooters will find their next destination to be our jails and prisons," he added.

Who Was Present at Rihanna’s Residence During the Shooting?

Prosecutors say the shooting took place Sunday afternoon at Rihanna’s Beverly Crest residence, which includes two dwellings. Ortiz allegedly drove up to the property and fired a semiautomatic rifle multiple times.

At the time of the incident, Rihanna and her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, were inside an Airstream camper on the property.

Inside the main house were their three children, sons RZA and Riot and their baby daughter Rocki, along with Rihanna’s mother and two staff members.

Authorities said eight people were present at the residence when the shots were fired.

Ortiz is also accused of firing at a neighbouring house where two individuals were present, contributing to the number of felony charges against her. No injuries were reported.

Investigators are still working to determine a motive and how Ortiz allegedly obtained the rifle.

"Law enforcement will be looking at any videos on social media and any additional evidence that they can uncover to both understand her motivation and why she did these particular acts," Hochman said during a press briefing Tuesday.

Did Ortiz Have Any Connection to Rihanna?

Authorities are also investigating whether Ortiz had any connection to Rihanna.

"There's no additional evidence that she's planning to shoot anyone else, but that is under investigation as well," Hochman said of the suspect.

Ortiz appeared in court on Tuesday with her lawyer, Deputy Public Defender Jamarcus Bradford, who initially entered a not guilty plea on her behalf before withdrawing it until the formal arraignment.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office confirmed that the office has been appointed to represent Ortiz.

"Our office has been appointed to represent Ivanna Ortiz, who has been charged in connection with an alleged shooting incident near the residence of Rihanna," the spokesperson said.

"Because this matter is pending before the court, our office cannot comment on the allegations at this time," the spokesperson continued. "As in every case, we will work to ensure that our client receives the full protections guaranteed under the Constitution."

Ortiz was arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene. Her bail has been set at $1.875 million and her arraignment is scheduled for March 25.

Neither Rihanna nor her representatives have publicly commented on the incident so far.

(With inputs from ANI)