Key facts at a glance
For quick reference, the table below summarizes the most reliable publicly documented details about Selena’s date of death and its immediate context.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name / Common identification | Selena (Selena Quintanilla-Pérez) | Verified biographies / official records |
| Date of death | March 31, 1995 | Coroner, medical, and news archives |
| Place of death | Corpus Christi, Texas, USA | Official reports |
| Age at death | 23 years old | Biographical records |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound (murdered) | Coroner’s report, law enforcement |
| Killed by | Yolanda Saldívar (former fan-club president and boutique manager) | Court records, investigations |
Verifying the date: March 31, 1995
March 31, 1995, is the widely documented and officially recorded date on which Selena died. Multiple authoritative sources, including medical examiners’ reports, law-enforcement records, and reputable news archives from 1995, converge on this date. Early confusion sometimes arises because of time-zone differences and the speed with which news broke, but the consensus among primary records is clear and consistent. Establishing an accurate date matters for historical records, memorial observances, and ongoing research into the case.
Biographical context: who was Selena
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known simply as Selena, was a celebrated American singer-songwriter. She rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, helping popularize Tejano music and crossing into mainstream markets. Her work includes hit songs and albums in both Spanish and English, and she built a professional catalog and business ventures, including a boutique and planned clothing lines. Understanding her career and legacy helps explain why her death was both widely reported and long remembered.
Circumstances of the shooting
On March 31, 1995, Selena was shot at a Days Inn in Corpus Christi, Texas, after a scheduled recording session. The shooter was Yolanda Saldívar, who at the time was the president of Selena’s fan club and the manager of her boutiques. The shooting occurred following a confrontation about missing financial records and alleged embezzlement. Selena was transported to a hospital but succumbed to the gunshot wound. The event unfolded in a matter of minutes and was captured in detail by responding officers and witnesses.
Investigation and legal outcomes
Police arrested Yolanda Saldívar shortly after the shooting. She initially claimed the shooting was accidental but later admitted to intentional conduct. In 1995, a jury convicted her of murder. She received a life sentence and has been denied parole multiple times. The case remains notable in true-crime coverage and has been the subject of documentaries and media, which has contributed to sustained public awareness of the date and circumstances of Selena’s death.
Where and how she died
Selena died at a hospital in Corpus Christi after the shooting at the Days Inn. The trajectory of the bullet caused critical injuries, and medical efforts could not prevent her death. The location and medical details have been reported consistently across official statements and credible news coverage. This context helps anchor the date of death within the sequence of events on that day.
Remembering Selena: legacy and memorials
Following her death, Selena’s legacy grew through posthumous releases, museum exhibits, and annual commemorations, particularly in Corpus Christi and among her fanbase. Fans and institutions mark March 31 as a significant date to reflect on her contributions to music and her cultural influence. These ongoing observances reinforce the longevity of her impact and the continued relevance of remembering her story.
Annual commemorations
March 31 is observed by fans and local institutions as a meaningful date to honor Selena. Events and tributes often include music performances, museum activities, and educational reflections. The consistency of these observances helps confirm the date in public memory and keeps her legacy alive for new audiences.
Media portrayals and documentaries
Documentaries and dramatizations have revisited the case, which keeps factual details — including the date of death — in public discourse. While dramatizations may emphasize emotional aspects, core facts such as the date, location, and perpetrator are supported by court and investigative records. This blend of factual reporting and cultural storytelling reinforces awareness while underscoring the importance of accuracy.
Quick comparison of common reference points
The following concise comparison highlights how key facts about Selena’s date of death align with broader biographical milestones. It is meant to support clarity and quick orientation without replacing detailed sourcing.
- March 31, 1995: Official date of death reported by medical and legal authorities.
- Age 23: Age at the time, placing her death in early adulthood during peak career years.
- Corpus Christi: Location where she died, consistent across reports.
- Yolanda Saldívar: Person convicted of the shooting; links directly to the date and circumstances.
- Posthumous releases: Continued after 1995, anchored to the finality of the date of death.
Frequently asked questions about Selena’s date of death
Below are concise answers to common questions that people often have when clarifying facts about Selena’s death. These answers are grounded in sourced, verifiable information to reduce ambiguity.
- When did Selena die?
- She died on March 31, 1995.
- How old was Selena when she died?
- She was 23 years old at the time of her death.
- Where did Selena die?
- She died in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA.
- Who was responsible for Selena’s death?
- Yolanda Saldívar was convicted of her murder.
- Is March 31, 1995, documented officially?
- Yes, medical, legal, and news records confirm this date.
Why the date matters in context
Beyond being a factual detail, Selena’s date of death marks a turning point in her personal story and public legacy. It is the anchor point for understanding the aftermath, the legal process, and the long-term cultural impact. Reliable documentation ensures that memorials, research, and retrospectives refer to the same agreed timeline. This clarity supports informed discussion and preserves historical accuracy.
Conclusion
March 31, 1995, is the verified date on which Selena died. This fact is supported by medical, legal, and news records and is consistently reflected in biographies, memorial events, and historical references. Understanding this date within the full context of her life, career, and the circumstances of her death helps maintain clarity and respect for her memory.