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Judge Rejects Competency Bid in Rihanna Home Shooting Case

The ruling keeps the case on track despite defense concerns about the suspect’s mental fitness.

Overview

  • Judge Shannon Cooley, who reviewed the issue Wednesday after a closed-door session, found no substantial evidence of incompetence and allowed the criminal case to proceed.
  • Ortiz’s public defender sought a competency inquiry as Ortiz asked for a new lawyer and refused to waive time, pressing for a speedy preliminary hearing.
  • The next court date is May 19, with the defense pointing to heavy discovery and a July 7 preliminary hearing date discussed in court.
  • Prosecutors say that on March 8 Ortiz fired about 20 rounds from an AR-15-style rifle, hitting the home, an Airstream with Rihanna and A$AP Rocky inside, and a neighbor’s house, and no one was injured.
  • Police say they tracked a white Tesla by helicopter and license-plate readers to arrest Ortiz nearby and later recovered a rifle, magazines and a wig, and prosecutors say she faces up to life in prison with bail set at $1.875 million.