A 36-year-old Florida woman charged in the March shooting at Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s Beverly Hills mansion has been ruled mentally competent to stand trial by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, clearing the way for the case to move forward in criminal court, authorities said Wednesday.
Ivanna Ortiz, a licensed speech-language pathologist and former owner of the Orlando Speech Clinic, is facing 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 of attempted murder, she faces up to life in prison under California law.
The Attack
On March 8, 2026, Ortiz allegedly drove from Florida to Los Angeles in a white Tesla Model 3 and parked outside the $14 million Beverly Crest mansion. Around 1:20 p.m., she opened fire on the property with an AR-15-style rifle, discharging dozens of rounds into the front gate, an adjacent Airstream trailer, and nearby nursery areas where Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and their three young children were inside.
Rihanna heard loud banging sounds, quickly grabbed A$AP Rocky, pushed both to the ground, and shouted “They shooting at us!” The couple then rushed the children and staff to safety in the garage. No one was physically injured, but bullet holes were later found in the mansion gate, a wooden fence, and pedestrian areas. Ortiz fled the scene in her Tesla but was arrested shortly afterward in Sherman Oaks and found in possession of the loaded rifle.
Motive and Prior Conduct
Investigators described the shooting as deliberate and planned. Ortiz had been posting erratic videos online for months, including references to Rihanna as a “witch,” “the devil,” or claiming her “intrusive spirit” was stalking her. In one January 2026 video, she told Rihanna directly: “When you die, God is taking me to my future. You want to kill me? Shut the f**k up.”
Prosecutors said Ortiz arrived at the mansion carrying a loaded rifle, extra ammunition, and even a disguise wig, demonstrating clear intent. A protective order had been issued against her involving Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and their neighbors.
Legal History and Evaluation
Ortiz has a documented history of personal and legal troubles that authorities linked to her mental state. She had a daughter with her ex-husband, Jed Nikko Sangalang, and lost custody of her in 2024 after a series of car accidents, domestic disputes, and other incidents. She faced domestic violence charges in 2023 (later dropped after completing a batterers intervention program) and had been involved in additional legal actions, including attempts to block concerts.
After her arrest, Ortiz pleaded not guilty at arraignment in March 2026, with her defense arguing the shooting was “careless violence” rather than a deliberate attempt. In May 2026, the court halted proceedings and ordered a mental health evaluation due to concerns about her fitness to stand trial. On September 29, 2026, a judge reviewed a psychiatric report from Dr. Phani Tumu and ruled that Ortiz is presently competent to stand trial.
“Criminal proceedings are reinstated,” the judge stated in court. Ortiz appeared in a yellow jail uniform and showed some emotion during the hearing, but no new plea was entered.
Current Status
The case is now set to proceed to trial in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom. Ortiz remains in custody and is still barred from practicing as a speech-language pathologist. No trial date has been announced.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have not publicly commented on the ruling or the incident. The case is expected to draw continued attention given the high-profile celebrity connection and the presence of children at the home.
