Selena Quintanilla Perez, a renowned American singer and songwriter, was shot and killed on March 31, 1995, at the age of 23. The tragic event occurred in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the Days Inn motel.
Who killed Selena?
The person responsible for Selena's death was Yolanda Saldívar, the president of Selena's fan club and the manager of her boutiques. Saldívar shot Selena once in the right shoulder, damaging an artery and causing her to bleed to death.
Circumstances surrounding the shooting:
- Financial dispute: Saldívar was embezzling money from Selena's fan club and boutiques, which led to conflicts and tension between them.
- Selena's decision: On March 31, 1995, Selena met with Saldívar at the Days Inn motel to retrieve financial records. During their meeting, an argument ensued, and Selena decided to end their business relationship.
- The shooting: Saldívar shot Selena as she was leaving the motel room, hitting her in the right shoulder. Selena ran towards the motel lobby for help, leaving a trail of blood behind her, but collapsed and died due to blood loss.
Aftermath:
- Arrest: Saldívar was arrested shortly after the shooting and charged with Selena's murder.
- Trial: The trial received significant media attention, with Saldívar's defense claiming that the shooting was accidental.
- Verdict: In October 1995, Saldívar was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 2025.
- Legacy: Selena's tragic death shocked and saddened her fans worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and solidifying her status as an iconic figure in Latin music.