Key Fact: The Year Selena Quintanilla-Pérez Died
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, commonly known as Selena, died in 1995. She was fatally shot on March 31, 1995, by Yolanda Saldívar, the former president of her fan club and boutique. Selena was 23 years old at the time of her death. This verified timeline is consistently documented by authoritative sources including court records, biographies, and her family’s official statements. No credible evidence supports an alternative year.
Why 1995 Is the Verified Year
The year 1995 is confirmed through multiple reliable sources, including judicial proceedings from Saldívar’s conviction, contemporaneous news coverage, and Selena’s official biographies. The high-profile nature of the crime and its aftermath ensured widespread documentation across media and legal channels.
Immediate Aftermath and Legal Resolution
Following the shooting, emergency medical services pronounced Selena dead at Corpus Christi Memorial Hospital. Saldívar was arrested shortly after and later convicted of first-degree murder. The trial and sentencing in 1995 reinforced the finality of the year as a factual anchor point in Selena’s public biography.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death | March 31, 1995 | Coroner’s Report, Court Records |
| Year of Death | 1995 | Official Biography, Legal Documents |
| Age at Death | 23 years old | Biographical Sources, News Archives |
| Location | Corpus Christi, Texas, USA | Law Enforcement Reports |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wound | Autopsy Report, Trial Transcripts |
Common Points of Confusion
Some rumors or misremembering may suggest alternate years, but none are supported by evidence. In durable factual reporting and reference designations, 1995 remains the only defensible answer. This clarity helps protect Selena’s legacy and supports accurate public understanding.
Cultural and Historical Context
Selena’s death in 1995 occurred during a pivotal moment for Latin music in the United States. Her crossover success and the circumstances surrounding her death amplified her status as a cultural icon. The ongoing discussion about her career and influence is consistently anchored to the 1995 timeline.
Immediate Industry and Fan Response
News of Selena’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians. Tributes, concerts, and memorial services followed in 1995 and continued in the years after, demonstrating the lasting emotional impact of her death that year.
Legacy and Posthumous Impact After 1995
Since 1995, Selena’s music, films, and brand have continued to reach new audiences. Biographical works, including a Broadway musical and museum exhibits, consistently reference 1995 as the pivotal year. Her estate remains actively managed, with releases and partnerships that all trace back to the events of that year.
Documentary and Scholarly References
Academic research, documentaries, and authoritative biographies treat 1995 as the definitive year of death. These works rely on primary sources such as court files, interviews with family and staff, and contemporaneous news archives to maintain factual precision.
Reliable Sources for Verification
Readers seeking confirmation can consult court records from Saldívar’s trial, the official Selena Foundation timeline, and major news archives from March 1995. These materials consistently report 1995 as the year of her death.
- Court transcripts from Yolanda Saldívar’s conviction
- Selena Museum archives and institutional timeline
- Major news outlets’ coverage from March 1995
- Published biographies authorized by the Quintanilla family
Summary and Authoritative Statement
Selena’s year of death is definitively recorded as 1995. This date is corroborated by legal, medical, and historical records. Understanding and communicating this fact accurately honors her memory and sustains the credibility of ongoing discussions about her artistic achievements and cultural influence.