Selena Quintanilla, the beloved Tex-Mex singer, met a tragic end on March 31, 1995. She was fatally shot by Yolanda Saldívar, who served as both the president of her fan club and her boutiques’ manager in Texas. This heartbreaking incident sent shockwaves through the music industry and her fanbase.
Details of the Autopsy
In the aftermath of Selena’s death, the Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an urgent autopsy just three hours post-mortem, spurred by tremendous media pressure. According to the 1995 autopsy report, Selena died from a bullet wound to her right shoulder, which was officially classified as a homicide. Yolanda Saldívar claimed the shooting was accidental.
Forensic Findings
The autopsy report, accessed by Us Weekly, highlighted the specifics of her injuries. Forensic expert Lloyd White determined that Selena’s death resulted from severe internal and external hemorrhaging due to a penetrating bullet wound to the chest.
- Entry point: Back of the right shoulder
- Bullet trajectory: From the ribs to the upper pulmonary lobe
- Exit wound: Upper right front of the chest
- Severe injury: Damage to the subclavian artery
This combination of injuries caused Selena’s tragic demise. Saldívar was later convicted of first-degree murder in October 1995 and received a life sentence.
Legacy of Selena Quintanilla
Selena Quintanilla remains an iconic figure in music. Her contributions to the Tex-Mex genre cement her legacy, ensuring her memory endures despite her untimely death. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, even for stars like Selena.
