Selena was an American singer who is largely credited with popularizing Spanish music throughout America and was tragically murdered by the president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldívar. Her murder is often compared to John Lennon and Elvis Presley after 60,000 mourners attended her funeral.
Saldívar convinced Selena to meet with her personally before shooting her in the back and attempting to commit suicide. She was later apprehended and bail was posted at $500,000. The jail in which she was detained received numerous death threats aimed at Saldívar, and some gang members even attempted to raise the bond so they could kidnap and murder Selena’s murderer!
The Mexican Mafia placed a price on her head and attempted to spread the word that whoever did the deed would become a Mexican hero. Saldívar was never murdered, but was sentenced to a life sentence for the murder, which she continues to serve, and will be eligible for parole in 2025.