A Florida woman accused of firing an AR-15-style rifle at pop icon Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to attempted murder and multiple felony counts, Nationnews and Jamaica Gleaner report.
Why it matters: The case highlights rising safety concerns for high-profile public figures facing targeted firearm violence at private residences.
- The defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted on all charges Nationnews.
Driving the news: Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court to enter her plea through defense counsel Derek Ray Dillman, Nationnews and Jamaica Gleaner report.
- Judge Theresa McGonigle denied a bail reduction request, keeping bond at US$1.875 million Nationnews.
- The court barred Ortiz from working as a licensed speech-therapist in California while proceedings continue Nationnews.
The big picture: Prosecutors state that Ortiz fired approximately 20 rounds toward the mansion on March 8, striking exterior walls and a gate, Variety and Nycaribnews report.
- Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their three children were inside the residence during the shooting, with no injuries reported Nycaribnews and Jamaica Gleaner.
- Law enforcement arrested Ortiz after locating her white Tesla roughly eight miles away at a shopping center, Nycaribnews and Nationnews report.