Shooting Suspect Faces Professional License Revocation
The woman charged with firing shots at Rihanna’s Beverly Hills mansion earlier this month stands to lose her license as a speech-language pathologist. Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, faces 14 felony counts, including attempted murder, after the incident occurred while the singer, her family, and staff were on the property.
Details of the Charges
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman detailed the charges during a March 10 press conference: one count of attempted murder, ten counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and three counts of shooting into an inhabited dwelling. Hochman noted that a conviction could result in a life sentence.
Ortiz allegedly fired ten rounds at Rihanna’s property, which includes multiple dwellings, and also targeted a neighboring home. Those in the potential line of fire included Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, their three children—sons RZA, 3, and Riot, 2, plus five-month-old daughter Rocki—the singer’s mother, and two staff members. Two additional people were inside the neighboring residence.
No injuries occurred, though officials indicate Rihanna and Rocky easily could have been struck. Judge Theresa McGonigle set bail at $1,875,000 and issued a protective order requiring Ortiz to avoid contact with Rihanna and Rocky. The judge also ordered Ortiz to surrender all firearms.
License Under Threat
Legal documents show Ortiz holds a California speech-language pathology license issued in April 2016, valid until June 2027. A member of the state’s licensing board seeks to bar her from practicing if she posts bail or is released on her own recognizance ahead of her Wednesday arraignment.
Ongoing Investigation and Background
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated during a recent briefing that investigators have not determined a motive, but the Robbery-Homicide Division continues its probe. Ortiz previously posted online content targeting Rihanna, including criticisms suggesting the singer spoke negatively about her, along with videos referencing Rihanna’s death and issuing threats. No prior connection between the two women exists.
Ortiz also has prior arrests in Florida for domestic violence, careless driving, and violating pretrial release conditions.
