A woman, identified as Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, accused of opening fire outside singer Rihanna‘s Los Angeles home, has formally been charged with ‘attempted murder’ and multiple firearm-related offences.
Woman chared with ‘trying to kill Rihanna’
Days after her arrest, the suspect, who was jailed following Sunday’s shooting, faces a total of 14 charges, prosecutors said on Tuesday. According to various news reports, authorities have confirmed that Ortiz has been charged with one count of attempted murder, 10 counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, two counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling and one count of shooting at an inhabited vehicle. Ortiz could get life in prison if convicted on all charges.
Bail set at USD 1.8 million
According to AP, Deputy Public Defender Jamarcus Bradford, Ortiz’s attorney, at first entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf, but then withdrew it in favour of postponing arraignment until March 25. She was ordered held on USD 1.8 million bail. The suspect had previously been booked on suspicion of attempted murder and held on a USD 10 million bail.
Woman shooter ordered to stay away from Rihanna
Judge Theresa McGonigle issued a protective order for Ortiz to stay away from Robin Fenty and Rakim Mayers – the legal names of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky – and their home. McGonigle also said Ortiz is not allowed to possess any firearms or ammunition, along with several other conditions.Ortiz is scheduled to appear in court again on March 25 as the case proceeds.
Rihanna and family were at home during shooting
Rihanna and her rap-star partner were together in a trailer on the property at the time of the Sunday afternoon shooting, while other family members, including their three children and staffers were in the Beverly Hills-area home, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said outside a court hearing.
Case still under investigation
Hochman would not say where any of the bullets landed, would not say how long Ortiz had been in California, or discuss her motivation or any connection to Rihanna, saying all were under investigation.KABC-TV showed video of what appeared to be five bullet holes in the front gate of the home. The news station obtained police dispatch audio that says 10 shots were fired. The gunfire came from across the street, police had confirmed in a statement.Authorities said the shots were fired toward the property during the daytime while Rihanna was reportedly inside the home. No injuries were reported in the incident.The case is being handled by prosecutors in Los Angeles County.
Rihanna leaves LA following shooting
According to TMZ, Rihanna and her family packed up and left their home soon after the shooting. The singer was spotted leaving her mansion with her team, and catching a jet out of the city. It is unclear where she is residing now.
