A Florida woman has been charged with attempted murder after prosecutors say she fired multiple gunshots at the Beverly Hills home of global music star Rihanna while the singer, her family and staff were inside the property.
Authorities described the incident as a deliberate and premeditated attack that could have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
The suspect, Ivanna Ortiz, 35, now faces a series of felony charges linked to the shooting, which took place on 8 March in a residential neighbourhood of Beverly Hills.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Prosecutors allege that Ortiz travelled to the property with the intention of killing the singer, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
She has been charged with one count of attempted murder, 10 counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and three counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or camper.
If convicted on all charges, Ortiz could face life imprisonment under California law.
Nathan J. Hochman, the District Attorney for Los Angeles County, said investigators believe the suspect travelled to the residence specifically to target the singer.
“In that residence, Rihanna was there with her partner, her three children, her mother, and two staff people,” Hochman said during a press briefing.
Those individuals account for several of the assault charges filed in connection with the case.
“Opening fire in any populated neighbourhood is extremely dangerous, puts lives at risk and will be fully prosecuted,” he added.
Gunfire Strikes Homes in Residential Area
Police say the incident involved multiple rounds being fired at the property, with some bullets striking the singer’s home as well as a nearby residence.
Emergency dispatch recordings reportedly captured callers describing hearing “approximately 10 shots” during the incident.
Law enforcement sources told reporters that the weapon used in the attack appeared to be an AR-15-style rifle, a type of semi-automatic firearm widely used in the United States.
Despite the gunfire, authorities confirmed that no one inside the home was injured.
Suspect Arrested After Fleeing Scene
Following the shooting, Ortiz fled the area but was later arrested in Sherman Oaks.
Her bail was set at approximately R33 300 000.
The suspect appeared in court where she was represented by the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office.
Social Media Activity Under Investigation
Investigators are also examining social media posts believed to be linked to Ortiz.
Prosecutors say a Facebook account believed to belong to the suspect referenced Rihanna in the weeks leading up to the shooting, although authorities have not publicly confirmed a clear motive.
Some reports indicate that Ortiz works as a licensed speech pathologist and has had previous legal issues in Florida.
Heightened Security Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about safety and security in celebrity neighbourhoods around Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Police Department said firing weapons in residential areas poses a serious risk to both residents and surrounding communities.
Authorities emphasised that the case will be pursued vigorously while the investigation continues.
Further court proceedings are expected later this month as prosecutors prepare their case against Ortiz.
For now, the singer and her family remain unharmed, though the incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by high-profile public figures living in densely populated urban areas.
