Here is a timeline of events leading up to and following Selena's death:
1. Early 1995: Selena and Saldívar's relationship began to deteriorate due to financial irregularities and embezzlement by Saldívar. Selena's family became concerned about Saldívar's behavior and advised Selena to distance herself from her.
2. March 31, 1995: Selena met with Saldívar at the Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi to retrieve some missing financial records. During the meeting, Saldívar shot Selena once in the back with a .38-caliber revolver, fatally wounding her. Selena managed to run to the lobby of the motel, where she collapsed and was taken to the hospital, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
3. Aftermath: The news of Selena's death spread quickly, causing widespread shock and grief among her fans and the Latin music community. Saldívar was arrested and charged with murder, and the trial that followed was widely publicized.
4. Trial and Conviction: Saldívar's trial began in October 1995. The prosecution presented evidence, including the murder weapon, forensic evidence, and witness testimonies, which pointed to Saldívar as the perpetrator. The defense argued that Saldívar acted in self-defense, but the jury rejected that claim and found her guilty of murder.
5. Sentencing: In October 1995, Saldívar was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 30 years. She remains incarcerated at the Mountain View Unit in Gatesville, Texas, and her first parole eligibility date is set for March 31, 2025.
6. Legacy: Selena's death had a profound impact on the Latin music industry and her fans. Her music continued to sell millions of copies posthumously, and she became an iconic figure in Latin American culture. Selena's legacy lives on through her music, numerous tributes and memorials, and the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, which is dedicated to preserving her life and career.