Rihanna home shooting case clouded by mental health concerns

May 13, 2026 - 21:54

A public defender for Ivanna Ortiz, the 35-year-old Florida woman charged with firing an assault rifle at Rihanna's home in West Los Angeles this past March, told the court on Wednesday that mental health issues will likely play a central role in the case. Ortiz faces multiple felony counts, including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

Authorities say Ortiz traveled from Florida to Los Angeles and opened fire on the singer's residence in the early morning hours of March 13. No one was injured in the shooting, but the incident prompted a heavy police response and raised alarms about the security of high-profile celebrities in the area.

During a brief court appearance, Ortiz's attorney argued that her client's mental state at the time of the alleged crime must be evaluated before the case proceeds further. The defense indicated that a psychological evaluation could shape how they approach the charges, which carry the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

Prosecutors have not commented on the mental health angle, but the case is expected to involve expert testimony and medical records as both sides prepare for trial. Ortiz remains held without bail. A hearing on the defense's request for a mental competency evaluation is scheduled for next month.