Selena Quintanilla is considered one of the most influential Latin artists, with a career, that spanned less than a decade. Her crossover appeal helped her become the first Latina artist to have a mainstream album debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. She won a Grammy award and had seven albums chart on the Billboard 200 before she was tragically murdered at 23.
Selena was born in Lake Jackson, Texas, on April 16, 1971. She was the youngest child of Abraham Quintanilla Jr., a former musician who became Selena's manager, and Marcella Quintanilla, a stay-at-home mom. Selena began her musical career singing lead vocals in her father's band, Selena y Los Dinos. With time, Selena's musical talents and on-stage charisma helped the band gain a large following throughout Texas.
This article will explore how Selena Quintanilla died and the events leading up to her death. Let's get started.
The Tragic Murder of Selena Quintanilla
On March 31, 1995, Selena was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldívar, her fan club president and former friend.
Selena had fired Saldívar from her job at the Selena Etc. Boutiques a few weeks before the murder. Saldívar became enraged and threatened to kill Selena if she didn't take her back. On the day of the murder, Selena met with Saldívar at a Corpus Christi Days Inn hotel so that she could retrieve some financial documents. At the hotel, Saldívar pulled out a gun and shot Selena.
How Old Was She When She Died?
Selena Quintanilla was just 23 years old when she was tragically killed. She had so much more life to live, and her untimely death sent shockwaves throughout the world. Her fans were devastated, and her memory is still celebrated.
How Old Was Selena Quintanilla When She Met Chris?
Selena was 20, and Chris was 22 when they first met. As the lead guitarist, Chris joined the band Selena y Los Dinos in 1990. Selena and Chris married on April 2, 1992.
Did Chris Perez Ever Remarry?
He remarried in 2001 to Vanessa Villanueva, a band member of Selena Quintanilla's band Selena y Los Dinos. The two remained married till 2008 and have two children together. Many speculated that their divorce was due to Perez's continuous grieving of Quintanilla.
What Was Selena Worth When She Died?
Selena Quintanilla was worth an estimated $5 million when she died. This is largely due to her successful recording career; she released seven albums before her death, and her posthumous album, Dreaming of You, reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. She also earned income from endorsement deals and her clothing line, Selena Etc.
Her net worth could have been much higher if she had not been tragically killed at 23. Her murder cut short a promising career and left her fans devastated.
Where Is Selena's Grave? Is It Open To The Public?
Selena's grave is located at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi, Texas. Selena's family decided to have her buried here so that fans from all over could visit her grave and pay their respects.
Yes, Selena's grave is open to the public. Visitors can leave flowers, notes, and other mementos at the grave. There is a chain fence around the grave to keep people from getting too close, but you can easily see Selena's headstone from a distance.
Selena Quintanilla Funeral
The funeral of Selena Quintanilla was held on April 3, 1995, in Corpus Christi, Texas. This was after she was fatally shot by Yolanda Saldivar, her fan club president, nine days earlier.
The day before the funeral, open-casket viewing was held at the Bayfront Auditorium (now Selena Auditorium), which up to 60,000 people attended.
Her funeral was held at Seaside Memorial Park and was broadcast live on the radio. It was only attended by close family and friends, around 600 people. Perez decided to keep the funeral private due to the overwhelming number of fans that had turned up for her public viewing.
Despite this, throngs of around 600 people assembled outside the cemetery tents. Quintanilla was seen as a Tejano music and culture ambassador, and her death greatly impacted her family and fans.
What Happened to Yolanda Saldívar?
After Selena's murder on October 15, 1995, Yolanda Saldívar went on trial in Houston for first-degree murder. According to The New York Times, her lawyer claimed that the gunshot was an accident and that Yolanda had intended to harm herself instead.
However, after testimonies from Selena’s family members, Saldívar was sentenced to prison for first-degree murder on October 24, 1995. Currently, she is incarcerated at the Mountain View Unit in Texas, a maximum-security prison.
FAQs
Did Selena Quintanilla Have A Baby?
No, Selena Quintanilla did not have any children.
How Long Was Selena Married Before Her Death?
Selena Quintanilla was married for more than two years before tragically killing her. She wed her bandmate, Chris Perez, in April 1992 and was murdered just over three years later in March 1995.
Who Killed Selena Quintanilla Perez, The Tejano Music Queen?
Selena Quintanilla was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldívar, the former president of her fan club, on March 31, 1995. Saldívar was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Conclusion
Selena Quintanilla's death profoundly impacted the Latin music community, the Quintanilla family, and beyond. Her untimely passing shocked and devastated fans around the world. Since her death, Selena has become an iconic figure and a symbol of Latino pride.
Her murder also brought attention to the issue of domestic violence. Saldívar was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Selena's legacy continues through her music, fashion, and charitable work. She is truly missed but never forgotten.
