Incident Report: Suspect Accused of Shooting at Rihanna’s Beverly Hills Home
A woman accused of firing multiple shots at singer Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home left behind a significant digital trail prior to the incident.
The suspect, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, from Orlando, Florida, allegedly opened fire at the property on March 8, 2026. Authorities later arrested her after a brief search.
Below are key facts about the suspect and the events surrounding the incident.
Background of the Suspect
1. Former Pageant Participant
Years before the shooting, Ortiz publicly described herself online as a former pageant contestant. She claimed to have held the title “Miss Teen Illinois Latina Princess 2006,” suggesting involvement in youth pageants during her teenage years.
2. Professional Career
Public records indicate that Ortiz previously worked as a licensed speech pathologist, a profession that requires specialized education and training. Speech pathologists diagnose and treat communication disorders, including speech delays and language impairments.
This professional background contrasts sharply with the serious criminal allegations she now faces.
3. Religious Online Presence
Ortiz also maintained a YouTube channel focused on religious content, where she documented a “Praying Women’s Journal” and discussed Bible study topics. Some videos featured a 60-day prayer challenge in which she shared entries from her prayer journal.
4. Previous Legal Issues
Court records show that Ortiz had several prior legal problems in Florida:
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2013: Bankruptcy case filed when she was 23.
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2021: Arrested on suspicion of careless driving.
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2023: Arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and battery while already on probation.
5. Mental Health Hold and Custody Case
Records from a custody dispute revealed that Ortiz had previously been involuntarily committed under Florida’s Baker Act, which allows temporary psychiatric holds of up to 72 hours.
During the custody case involving her 10-year-old child, the court cited concerns regarding her mental health. In April 2024, a judge granted her ex-husband full physical custody of the child and ordered that Ortiz have no contact with the minor unless approved by the court.
6. Social Media Posts Referencing Rihanna
Weeks before the shooting, Ortiz posted messages on Facebook referencing Rihanna directly. In one post dated February 24, 2026, she wrote a message addressing the singer and implying that Rihanna had been communicating with her indirectly.
The Shooting Incident
According to police reports, the shooting occurred around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Authorities say Ortiz parked across the street from Rihanna’s home in the Beverly Hills Post Office neighborhood and fired at least 10 shots from inside her vehicle toward the property’s gate.
One bullet reportedly pierced a wall of the house, while other rounds struck the gate and an RV parked in the driveway.
Rihanna was reportedly inside the home at the time. No injuries were reported.
Suspect Arrest
After the shooting, Ortiz allegedly fled the scene in a white Tesla, driving south on Coldwater Canyon Drive.
Approximately 30 minutes later, a police helicopter tracked the vehicle to a shopping center parking lot in Sherman Oaks, where officers conducted a traffic stop.
Police said they recovered an assault-style rifle and seven shell casings from the vehicle. Ortiz was taken into custody without further incident.
Community Reaction
Residents in the typically quiet neighborhood reported hearing multiple gunshots.
Neighbors described the experience as frightening, noting that drive-by shootings are extremely rare in the area.
Current Status
No one was injured in the incident. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack, which remains unclear.
Sources close to Rihanna’s family said that everyone inside the home is safe, though the reason for the targeting is still unknown.