Story perspectives

Remembering Selena: Tejano Star’s Tragic Death Revisited

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

On April 1, 1995, Selena, a 23-year-old Tejano music star, was shot and killed at a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The shooter, identified as the former president of Selena's fan club, surrendered after a nearly 10-hour standoff with police.
Selena won a Grammy and had the hit song Amor Prohibido.
Spanish-language media covered the tragedy extensively, with many stations playing her music and grieving listeners calling, and this obituary is being republished for Women’s History Month.

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Story summary

On April 1, 1995, Selena, a 23-year-old Tejano music star, was shot and killed at a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The shooter, identified as the former president of Selena's fan club, surrendered after a nearly 10-hour standoff with police.
Selena won a Grammy and had the hit song Amor Prohibido.
Spanish-language media covered the tragedy extensively, with many stations playing her music and grieving listeners calling, and this obituary is being republished for Women’s History Month.