Judge orders mental health evaluation for the woman accused of attempting to murder Rihanna

A Los Angeles judge has paused the prosecution of Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, a 35-year-old Florida woman charged with attempted murder and multiple felonies after allegedly firing an AR-15 at Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home on March 8. Ortiz, who pleaded not guilty, faces 13 counts including assault with a semiautomatic firearm and shooting at occupied dwellings, following an incident where bullets struck Rihanna’s Airstream trailer and the nursery where her children were staying. Deputy Public Defender Derek Dillman raised concerns about Ortiz’s mental competence during a hearing on May 19, prompting Judge Shannon K. Cooley to transfer the case to Hollywood’s mental health court. The court will assess whether Ortiz can understand the proceedings and assist in her defense. If deemed incompetent, she could be held indefinitely in a state hospital until she regains competency. Police allege Ortiz drove a Tesla to the property, firing at least 20 rounds toward Rihanna’s home and a neighboring house while the singer, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their children were inside. No injuries were reported, though bullet holes were found on the trailer and nursery wall. Ortiz reportedly told investigators she was not attempting murder, though prosecutors have not disclosed a motive or connection to Rihanna. Ortiz, a licensed speech pathologist with no prior criminal record, remains in custody on nearly $2 million bail. Her next hearing is scheduled for June 2, where her mental competency will be reassessed. The case follows a similar ruling in April, when a man accused of stalking Jennifer Aniston was also found incompetent to stand trial.