Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was killed on March 31, 1995, by Yolanda Saldívar, who was the president of her fan club and manager of her boutiques. Saldívar shot Selena in a motel room in Corpus Christi, Texas, after Selena discovered that Saldívar had been embezzling money from her fan club and businesses.

Details of the Murder

Selena was trying to retrieve financial documents from Saldívar that she needed for tax purposes. The confrontation escalated, and Saldívar shot Selena in the back as the singer was leaving the room. The fatal bullet severed a major artery, causing massive internal and external bleeding. Selena managed to identify her attacker before collapsing and later died at a local hospital at just 23 years old.

Motive

The motive behind Selena’s murder was largely tied to Saldívar’s fear of losing her personal relationship and business status with Selena after being confronted and fired for embezzlement. Saldívar reportedly became increasingly desperate as she was losing access to Selena’s circle, employment, and influence. Some suggest she was driven by a combination of anger, betrayal, and the impending loss of her livelihood and identity.

Aftermath

Yolanda Saldívar was arrested after a standoff with police and was convicted of first-degree murder. She continues to serve a life sentence in prison for the killing of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.