Key status at a glance
Selena Perez is deceased. The following is a concise, sourced clarification of the circumstances, timeline, and publicly available records pertaining to her death.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Selena Perez | Official records |
| Date of death | March 31, 1995 | Medical examiner / vital records |
| Location | Corpus Christi, Texas, United States | Law enforcement report |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound | Autopsy and official investigation |
| Age at death | 23 years old | Birth and death dates |
Clarifying the query intent
Status queries seek authoritative confirmation of a person’s death, timing, and basic factual context. This explainer presents verified public records without speculative commentary. It focuses on clarifying what is consistently documented and how reputable sources corroborate the event.
Official timeline and records
On March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (often referred to as Selena) was shot by Yolanda Saldívar, the founder of her fan club and former manager of her boutiques. Emergency personnel responded, and she was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced deceased. The incident was documented contemporaneously by local law enforcement, emergency medical services, and court records from the subsequent criminal trial.
Corpus Christi incident and response
At approximately 1:00 pm, Selena was shot once in the back while exiting a motel. An emergency call was placed at 1:06 pm; she was transported to a nearby hospital. Paramedics’ radio traffic and hospital admission logs timestamp the arrival and medical effort to revive her. These records are publicly referenced in official investigative materials.
Medical examiner findings
The Nueces County medical examiner’s office completed an autopsy, listing the cause as gunshot wound. Death certificate records confirm the time, location, and manner as homicide. These documents are consistent across municipal, county, and state vital statistics indexes.
Investigation and judicial process
Police arrested Yolanda Saldívar the same day. The criminal trial in 1995 produced courtroom transcripts, verdict documentation, and sentencing records, all of which reference the death certificate and autopsy. Appellate proceedings further corroborate the judicial facts without altering the core event.
Public perception vs. verified facts
Over time, narrative details may become blurred or conflated with fandom discourse. Verified facts remain anchored in official documentation. When assessing claims, prioritize primary records such as death certificates, medical examiner reports, court filings, and reputable news archives from 1995.
- Official death certificate: lists date, location, cause, and age.
- Autopsy and medical examiner report: confirms manner and mechanism of death.
- Law enforcement incident and arrest reports: document timeline and evidence.
- Court transcripts and verdict: establish judicial resolution and context.
- Major news coverage from March 1995: contemporaneous reporting from credible outlets.
How to evaluate sources
For status clarifications, rely on government records and established news organizations. Useful heuristics include: checking whether sources cite official documents, whether multiple independent records align, and whether updates reflect corrections rather than speculation. Avoid unverified social media posts or anonymous forums when seeking authoritative confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| When did Selena Perez die? | March 31, 1995 | Death certificate and news archives |
| What was the cause of death? | Gunshot wound (homicide) | Autopsy and medical examiner report |
| Where did it happen? | Corpus Christi, Texas, United States | Law enforcement and hospital records |
| Has the case been legally resolved? | Yes, conviction of Yolanda Saldívar | Court verdict and sentencing documents |
| Are there reliable primary sources? | Yes, including autopsy, death certificate, trial transcripts | Public records and archival news |
Reliable sourcing guidance
When researching this topic, consult municipal and county vital records, medical examiner reports, court filings, and retrospective features from established news outlets. These sources provide consistent, cross-verified detail. Treat user-generated content and informal forums as pointers to primary material rather than authoritative evidence.