Recent court filings from Florida reveal that Ivanna Ortiz, the woman charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting at Rihanna’s Los Angeles home in March 2026, has lost custody of her child following a ruling by a Florida family court judge. The decision, issued on April 21, 2026, grants full custody to the child’s father, Jed Sangalang, and requires him to approve any contact between Ortiz and the minor. The ruling comes amid Ortiz’s ongoing criminal case in California, where she faces over a dozen felony charges related to the shooting incident at the singer’s Beverly Crest residence.
According to verified court documents obtained by TMZ and confirmed through public records, the Florida judge’s decision was not based solely on the March 8 shooting allegation but also considered Ortiz’s prior involuntary psychiatric hold in Florida and a history of custody disputes between the parents. Sangalang had previously sought emergency temporary custody following Ortiz’s arrest, citing concerns about her mental state and ability to care for the child. The judge ultimately ruled that placing the child with Sangalang was in the minor’s best interest, particularly given the severity of the charges Ortiz faces and her documented psychiatric history.
Ortiz, 35, of Orlando, was arrested on March 9, 2026, after allegedly firing a semiautomatic rifle from a white Tesla at Rihanna’s home in the Beverly Crest neighborhood of Los Angeles. Prosecutors say she fired multiple rounds at the front gate and a nearby recreational vehicle on the property while Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, their three children, Rihanna’s mother, and two staff members were present. No one was injured in the incident, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Ortiz was charged with one count of attempted murder, 10 felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and three felony counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or camper.
Her bail was initially set at over $10 million following her arrest but was later reduced to $1.875 million, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s inmate information center. As of April 2026, Ortiz remains in custody awaiting arraignment, which is scheduled for March 25, 2026, though delays are possible due to ongoing pretrial proceedings. If convicted on all charges, she could face a life sentence in state prison.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has emphasized that the shooting occurred in a populated residential area and posed a significant risk to bystanders. District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated publicly that “opening fire in any populated neighborhood is extremely dangerous, puts lives at risk and will be fully prosecuted,” adding that while no one was injured, the act of firing a semiautomatic rifle in a residential zone constitutes a serious threat to public safety.
Prior to her arrest, Ortiz worked as a speech language pathologist in Orlando, Florida, a fact confirmed through her now-deactivated LinkedIn profile and employment records. Following her arrest, the Florida Department of Health’s Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology suspended and later revoked her professional license due to the criminal charges and conduct deemed incompatible with the profession. The board cited her alleged actions as violating ethical standards related to public safety and professional integrity.
Online posts attributed to Ortiz in the weeks before the shooting showed her expressing hostility toward Rihanna on social media platforms, including claims that the singer had “harassed” her and that “God’s judgment” would befall the artist. These posts were widely shared after her arrest but have not been introduced as evidence in the criminal case. Prosecutors have not alleged a direct personal relationship between Ortiz and Rihanna, nor have they established a clear motive beyond the suspect’s own statements.
The child custody case in Florida has been ongoing for several years, with both parents previously sharing joint legal custody. However, following Ortiz’s arrest and the psychiatric hold she underwent in Florida in late 2025—Sangalang stated it was initiated after she exhibited erratic behavior and made concerning statements—the father petitioned for sole custody. The April 2026 ruling reflects the court’s determination that the child’s stability and safety are better served under Sangalang’s care, particularly given the gravity of the allegations against Ortiz and her current incarceration in California.
Ortiz has not entered a plea in the California case and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty. Her next court appearance in Los Angeles is expected in May 2026, though no exact date has been set as of mid-April. Legal experts note that the Florida custody ruling, while separate from the criminal proceedings, may influence perceptions of her character and stability during any future sentencing or parole considerations.
For updates on the criminal case, the public can refer to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office press releases and case docket. Information regarding the Florida custody order is available through the Orange County Family Court’s public records portal, though specific documents are sealed in part to protect the minor’s identity.
As this case continues to unfold across two state jurisdictions, it underscores the intersection of criminal allegations, mental health considerations, and family law proceedings. World Today Journal will monitor for any official updates from the Los Angeles County Superior Court or the Florida Department of Children and Families regarding Ortiz’s legal status and custodial rights.
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