Rihanna Shooting Suspect's Bizarre Court Statement in Attempted Murder Case
A woman has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of global superstar Rihanna, delivering a bizarre statement during her latest court hearing in Los Angeles. Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, a 35-year-old from Orlando, Florida with no prior police record, entered her plea through her lawyer to more than a dozen felony counts in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Police Report Reveals Chilling Details
A newly public police report has revealed disturbing details about the March 8 shooting incident. According to the report, Ortiz allegedly fired shots that struck a caravan where Rihanna and her partner, rapper ASAP Rocky, were inside at approximately 3am. The report indicates that at least 20 bullets were sprayed toward the property and a neighboring home from a white Tesla vehicle.
Rihanna provided detectives with a detailed account of the terrifying experience. She reported that Rocky was sleeping in the rear of the caravan, which was parked in the driveway next to the home's garage, while she was sitting at a window seat. The singer heard about ten loud sounds resembling something banging on metal before pulling back a curtain to discover bullet holes in the caravan's front window.
Bizarre Courtroom Statement
During her court appearance, Ortiz made a peculiar statement to the judge. "Can I say one sentence?" she asked before declaring, "I would like to say that I wasn't attempting murder. But that's all I wanted to say." This statement came hours after her arrest when she had initially told detectives she wouldn't answer questions without a lawyer present.
The police report provides chilling specifics about the shooting's aftermath. Two bullets struck the double-paned window of the caravan but failed to penetrate through it, while a third appeared to have hit the side of the vehicle. A bullet hole was discovered on the exterior wall of the home's second-floor nursery where three children were present with their nanny.
Extensive Damage and Multiple Charges
Forensic evidence revealed extensive damage from the shooting spree. Investigators found three bullet fragments in the home's front porch area and identified at least ten bullet holes in the property's gates and walls. Shots also struck a neighboring residence, though miraculously no injuries were reported.
Ortiz faces serious charges including ten counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm—one for each person present on the two properties during the shooting—and three counts of shooting at an occupied vehicle or dwelling. If convicted on all charges, she could potentially receive a life prison sentence.
Court Proceedings and Bail Denial
During Wednesday's hearing, Ortiz appeared behind glass in a custody area wearing yellow jail clothes with her blonde hair in braids. She spoke only to agree to waive her right to a speedy preliminary hearing, the next phase where evidence will be presented to determine if a trial is warranted.
Her lawyer, deputy public defender Derek Dillman, requested that her bail be reduced from $1.9 million to $70,000 based on her ability to pay. However, Judge Theresa McGonigle denied the request after prosecutor Alexander Bott argued that Ortiz represents a major risk to the community and was likely to flee if released on bail.
"This case involves a dangerous, deliberate shooting into occupied homes," Bott stated. "This is the kind of conduct that could easily have resulted in multiple homicides."
Investigation Continues
When Ortiz was arrested hours after the shooting, she was alone in her car with the rifle, additional ammunition, and a wig she was reportedly using as a disguise. District Attorney Nathan Hochman has declined to discuss a potential motive or describe any connection between Ortiz and Rihanna, stating that all aspects remain under active investigation.
The prosecution is also examining social media posts made by Ortiz in the days leading up to the gunfire as part of their ongoing investigation into what prompted this violent attack on the celebrity couple's home.
