Key facts at a glance
On March 31, 1995, American singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (commonly known as Selena) died in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was 23 years old. The cause of death was gunshot trauma following an assault by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club and boutique. The table below summarizes core, verifiable details about the event and its context.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | March 31, 1995 | Corpus Christi Police/official reports |
| Time of death | Pronounced dead at approximately 1:05 p.m. CT | EMS/medical records |
| Age at death | 23 years old | Biographies and verified news archives |
| Location | Corpus Christi, Texas, United States | Law enforcement and court documents |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound (per homicide report) | Medical examiner/coroner reports |
| Assailant | Yolanda Saldívar | Criminal trial testimony and verdict |
| Venue | Days Inn Corpus Christi | Investigative reports and trial records |
What happened and when, clearly stated
When Selena died is March 31, 1995. She was shot by Yolanda Saldívar on the morning of that day at a Days Inn in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. There is no credible confusion or alternate timeline about the date; this is firmly documented by police, medical, and judicial records. Her death was ruled a homicide by gunshot, and the shooter was convicted of murder in 1995. The immediate context includes a scheduled meet-and-greet and ongoing management matters involving Saldívar, who had embezzled funds and made unauthorized disclosures about Selena’s health.
A concise relationship and context explainer
Selena’s relationship to Yolanda Saldívar began with professional trust: Saldívar was the founder and president of Selena’s official fan club and later managed the Selena Etc. boutiques. Over time, Saldívar’s access grew, and she became responsible for fan interactions and financial operations. This relationship fractured due to embezzlement, missed payments, and a pattern of secrecy, culminating in the assault on March 31, 1995. Understanding this professional and personal dynamic helps clarify why the events of that day unfolded as they did and why they remain significant in discussions of Selena’s legacy.
Verified biographical profile and impact
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known mononymously as Selena, was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas. Rising to fame as the Queen of Tejano music, she blended cumbia, pop, and Latin influences, amassing a devoted fanbase across the United States, Mexico, and Latin America. Her career achievements include Grammy and Billboard Latin Music Awards, millions of records sold, and a pioneering crossover presence in both English- and Spanish-language markets. Her death at age 23 cut short a trajectory that many scholars and journalists regard as one of the most consequential in modern Latin music.
Immediate aftermath and timeline of critical events
The timeline of March 31, 1995, shows a rapid escalation from routine business to fatality. Selena met Saldívar at a Days Inn under the pretense of retrieving signed checks and documents. During the encounter, Saldívar shot Selena once in the back. Saldívar then fled the scene, later telling a motel employee that Selena had been kidnapped before confessing to the crime. Emergency response was swift, yet the severity of the gunshot wound led to death at the hospital. This sequence is drawn from police interviews, 911 calls, and trial transcripts, offering a clear, evidence-based chronology.
Public response, memorialization, and legal outcomes
News of Selena’s death generated an immediate public outpouring across the U.S. and Latin America. Vigils, televised tributes, and a massive funeral in Corpus Christi reflected her broad cultural reach. In legal terms, the case moved swiftly: Saldívar was arrested, convicted of first-degree murder in October 1995, and sentenced to life imprisonment. The trial exposed documented financial misconduct by Saldívar and became a high-profile criminal proceeding that remains a reference point in discussions of celebrity safety and fan-club accountability.
Legacy and why the question of date and cause matters
Clarifying when Selena died and how she died supports accurate storytelling and honors her influence. Her music continues to inform Latinx representation in pop culture, and her entrepreneurial ventures established models for artist-led brands. Understanding the facts of the event also underscores the risks of unchecked access and the importance of transparent financial controls in fan-centric organizations. For ongoing scholarship, journalism, and commemoration, a precise, verified account of the date and circumstances remains essential.
Addressing confusion and misinformation
Some unverified claims or speculative narratives may blur the details of Selena’s death, but authoritative records—police reports, coroner findings, and court documents—provide a consistent picture. No credible evidence supports alternate dates or causes; the consensus among medical, legal, and historical sources is clear and stable. This status clarification relies on primary records and repeated corroboration across reputable institutions.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Selena die? Selena died on March 31, 1995.
- How old was Selena when she died? She was 23 years old at the time of her death.
- What was the cause of Selena’s death? Her death was caused by a gunshot wound, classified as homicide.
- Who was responsible for Selena’s death? Yolanda Saldívar was found responsible and was convicted of first-degree murder.
- Where did Selena die? She was shot at a Days Inn in Corpus Christi, Texas, and pronounced dead at a local hospital.
- Has the date or cause ever been disputed by credible sources? No; law enforcement, medical, and judicial records consistently confirm the date and cause.