The shooting outside Rihanna’s house has sparked widespread attention, and new reports are revealing more about the suspect’s background. According to recently surfaced information, authorities previously placed the woman accused in the case on an involuntary psychiatric hold under Florida law. Court records also reportedly show she later lost custody of her child in a separate legal battle. These revelations are now raising additional questions about her background.
Rihanna’s house shooting suspect previously lost custody of child, lawyer claims
The woman accused of carrying out the shooting at Rihanna’s residence in Beverly Hills allegedly has a complicated legal history, including a prior custody dispute involving her child. According to reports from TMZ, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, the 35-year-old woman arrested in connection with the alleged shooting, previously lost custody of her 10-year-old child following a court ruling in Florida.
Hal Roen, an attorney representing Ortiz’s ex-husband, Jed Nikko Valdez Sangalang, claimed Ortiz had previously been placed under Florida’s Baker Act before 2023. Under the law, authorities can temporarily place individuals in a psychiatric facility for evaluation if they believe the person may pose a danger to themselves or others. Such holds can last up to 72 hours, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Roen described Ortiz as someone who can appear convincing during conversations. “If you sit down with her, she’s very convincing,” he said. He added that she is “articulate” and “very believable,” but also claimed she has displayed “bizarre” behavior.
Court documents cited by the outlet suggest that a Florida judge granted Sangalang full physical custody of the child in April 2024. According to the order, the court barred Ortiz from contacting the child in any form until further notice.
During testimony connected to the custody case, Ortiz reportedly acknowledged authorities had previously placed her under the Baker Act. However, she allegedly claimed the hold was based on false accusations. Meanwhile, the judge overseeing the case reportedly cited “concerning testimony” regarding her mental health and ordered further investigation into the family situation.
The ruling also referenced a prior domestic violence allegation tied to the former couple. While Ortiz had attempted to seek a protective order against her ex-husband, court records reportedly stated that one of the incidents cited resulted in her own arrest and probation.
