A woman facing attempted murder charges after allegedly firing shots into a Los Angeles celebrity residence on Sunday has a troubling history of mental health crises and family court interventions, according to court documents and statements from legal counsel.
Ivanna Lisette Ortiz was arrested Monday following the shooting incident. According to Hal Roen, attorney for her ex-husband Jed Nikko Valdez Sangalang, Ortiz was previously subjected to involuntary psychiatric commitment under Florida's Baker Act prior to 2023. The Baker Act permits emergency mental health services and temporary detention for individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others, allowing for psychiatric holds of up to 72 hours.
Roen characterized Ortiz as presenting a deceptive exterior. "If you sit down with her, she's very convincing," Roen stated. "She's articulate and very believable. But she does bizarre things."
Court records reveal a pattern of concerning behavior that culminated in severe custody restrictions. In April 2024, a Florida judge awarded Sangalang full physical custody of the couple's child, completely terminating Ortiz's parental contact rights. The court order explicitly prohibits any form of communication with the child, including in-person visits, phone calls, video chats, text messages, emails, or contact through third parties, pending further court review.
During sworn testimony in the custody proceedings, Ortiz acknowledged her prior Baker Act commitment, though she maintained the psychiatric hold was based on false allegations. The presiding judge cited "concerning testimony" regarding her mental health status and subsequently ordered a social investigation into the family circumstances.
The court proceedings also uncovered a complicated domestic violence history. While Ortiz had sought a protective injunction against her ex-husband, one of the incidents she referenced in her petition resulted in her own arrest for domestic violence. She was serving probation at the time of the custody hearing.
In the written custody ruling, the judge expressed concern that Ortiz might not return the child to the father if granted visitation or custody rights, citing the totality of evidence presented during the proceedings.
The Los Angeles shooting incident occurred Sunday when Ortiz allegedly fired multiple rounds into the residence from her vehicle. The homeowner and three children were present during the shooting, though no injuries were reported. Ortiz was formally booked on attempted murder charges Monday.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about mental health intervention systems and their effectiveness in preventing violent incidents. The Baker Act, formally known as the Florida Mental Health Act, is designed to provide emergency services and temporary detention for evaluation, but critics have questioned whether such short-term interventions adequately address long-term psychiatric needs.
The investigation into the shooting remains active, and additional charges may be filed pending completion of the criminal inquiry. Ortiz remains in custody as prosecutors prepare their case for presentation to the court.