Where did Selena get shot? The Tejano music legend Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was shot at the Days Inn Motel in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 31, 1995. The tragedy unfolded inside room 158, marking one of the darkest days in music history.
The person behind the shooting was Yolanda Saldívar, the president of Selena’s fan club and the manager of her boutiques. Once a trusted friend, Saldívar betrayed Selena’s trust in the most devastating way imaginable.
Even nearly three decades later, the question of where and how the young singer was shot still brings heartbreak to fans around the world.
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The Day the Music Stopped
On the morning of March 31, 1995, Selena met with Yolanda Saldívar at the Days Inn Motel in Corpus Christi. Selena had been trying to retrieve important business documents after discovering that Saldívar had been embezzling money from both her fan club and boutiques.
Their meeting was tense from the beginning. During the argument, Saldívar pulled out a .38 caliber Taurus revolver and shot Selena once in the lower right shoulder.
Despite the wound, Selena managed to run nearly 400 feet from the motel room to the lobby. Covered in blood, she collapsed near the front desk and cried out, “Yolanda…room 158!”
Within minutes, she was rushed to the hospital — but tragically, it was too late.
The Location of the Shooting
The shooting happened at the Days Inn Motel, located at 901 Navigation Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas.
This motel quickly became an emotional landmark for fans. In the days and weeks that followed, crowds gathered outside to leave flowers, candles, photos, and heartfelt messages for Selena.
Although the motel has changed ownership and been renovated since then, the location remains etched in the hearts of those who loved her. To this day, many fans visit Corpus Christi to pay their respects at places connected to her life, including the Selena Museum and the Mirador de la Flor monument.
Selena’s Final Moments
After collapsing in the motel lobby, staff immediately called for help. Paramedics arrived within minutes and began CPR before taking her to Memorial Medical Center, now known as Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial.
Doctors discovered that the bullet had torn through a major artery, causing massive internal bleeding. Even with emergency surgery, they could not stop the blood loss.
At 1:05 p.m., Selena was pronounced dead. She was just 23 years old.
Her official cause of death was listed as massive blood loss caused by a gunshot wound to the right shoulder, which damaged her subclavian artery.
The Weapon Used
The weapon used in the shooting was a .38 caliber Taurus revolver — the same gun Saldívar had purchased just weeks earlier.
Forensic experts later determined that the bullet entered Selena’s upper right back and exited near her chest. Although the external wound appeared small, the damage to her artery was fatal.
Doctors later stated that if she had received immediate treatment in the first few moments after the shooting, she might have survived. Unfortunately, the distance between the motel room and lobby made that impossible.
Who Was Yolanda Saldívar?
Before the tragedy, Yolanda Saldívar was one of Selena’s most trusted associates. She ran Selena’s official fan club and later managed her boutiques, Selena Etc.
However, by early 1995, Selena’s family began receiving complaints from fans who had paid membership fees and never received their merchandise. When they investigated, they found clear evidence that Saldívar had embezzled money.
When Selena confronted her that morning at the motel, Saldívar turned violent.
After shooting Selena, she locked herself in her truck in the motel parking lot. For nearly 10 hours, she held police at bay during a tense standoff, threatening to take her own life. Eventually, she surrendered and was arrested without further violence.
What Happened to Yolanda Saldívar?
In October 1995, Yolanda Saldívar was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
She has been serving her sentence at the Mountain View Unit in Gatesville, Texas.
Her earliest possible parole date is March 2025. The news of her upcoming eligibility for release has reignited conversations among fans, many of whom remain deeply emotional about Selena’s death.
How the Shooting Impacted the World
Selena’s murder sent shockwaves across the globe. She was at the peak of her career, preparing for a major crossover into the English-language music market with her upcoming album, Dreaming of You.
When she died, millions of fans across the U.S., Mexico, and Latin America were devastated. Vigils, radio tributes, and memorials spread across cities. Her funeral in Corpus Christi drew more than 60,000 mourners.
The posthumous release of Dreaming of You just four months later debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making Selena the first Latin artist to achieve that milestone.
Her passing not only marked the loss of an extraordinary musician but also highlighted issues of trust and exploitation that many artists face.
A Lasting Legacy
Selena’s life and music continue to inspire people around the world. Her story has been told through books, documentaries, and major productions, including the 1997 film Selena starring Jennifer Lopez, and the 2020 Netflix series “Selena: The Series.”
Her family continues to preserve her legacy through Q-Productions and the Selena Museum, which showcases her awards, costumes, and personal memorabilia.
Visitors from all over the world travel to Corpus Christi each year to honor her memory and celebrate the incredible impact she made in her short life.
Important Details About Selena’s Death
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Shooting | March 31, 1995 |
| Location | Days Inn Motel, Corpus Christi, Texas |
| Room Number | 158 |
| Shooter | Yolanda Saldívar |
| Weapon Used | .38 caliber Taurus revolver |
| Cause of Death | Massive blood loss from a gunshot wound to the right shoulder |
| Age at Death | 23 years old |
| Hospital | Memorial Medical Center (now Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial) |
The Site’s Legacy Today
The Days Inn Motel where Selena was shot still stands, though it has changed ownership multiple times. While there is no official marker designating it as a historical site, fans still quietly visit to reflect on the loss of an icon.
The true celebration of Selena’s life now takes place at the Selena Museum and the Mirador de la Flor monument, both of which honor her with dignity and respect.
Remembering Selena’s Spirit
Selena’s story is one of incredible talent, kindness, and perseverance. She broke barriers for Latina women in the music industry and inspired millions with her authenticity and passion.
While the question “Where did Selena get shot?” recalls a tragic moment, her legacy reminds the world that her music, personality, and love for her fans will never fade.
Her influence continues to thrive across generations, proving that even in tragedy, her light still shines brighter than ever.
Selena may be gone, but her voice, her smile, and her impact on the world of music live on forever.