00:05She was a rising star in the world of music, and undoubtedly on the verge of a massive
00:10breakthrough. But sadly her life would be cut short before she was able to truly blossom and
00:16reach her full potential. Let's take a look back at the story of Selena, the former Latin music
00:22sensation, and find out what actually happened. Selena's father Abraham discovered she could
00:30carry a tune at a very young age. While he was very familiar with their heritage, his children
00:36wasn't as well versed in the culture. But he had an idea to start a family band to help bridge
00:42the
00:42gap. Selena was the front runner for the lead, and her two siblings were tasked to play the
00:48instruments. They would routinely perform karaoke songs at their father's restaurant.
00:54When financial struggles hit the family hard, and the restaurant would go under.
00:59Their father decided to take the music endeavor much more serious than before.
01:05They began writing and recording original music, and performing their songs around town.
01:11Selena had the look, style, and a fantastic voice that drew immediate attention.
01:16Eventually a major music label sought the band out with a lucrative offer.
01:21With the professional backing, her career began to build even more momentum at a much faster rate than
01:26before. Their live crowds began to get larger, and larger with every show.
01:32A 30-year-old registered nurse named Yolanda Sal Devar would be in attendance at many of their live events.
01:39Sal Devar reached out to the family on multiple occasions, requesting to start an official
01:45fan club for the family. Her persistence eventually worked, and Abraham decided to recruit Yolanda to the team.
01:53As the years went on, Selena started gaining more popularity and influence around the world.
02:00Many young girls wanted to be just like her, which prompted the singer to begin a fashion venture.
02:06Selena would offer Yolanda a manager position in the clothing stores.
02:10She was tasked with overseeing the staff, the inventory, and handling all the finances.
02:16Everything seemed to be going extremely well for Selena.
02:20She was a bonafide star in the Latin community, and had a successful side business as well.
02:26However, it would all soon fall apart for the youthful singer.
02:32After some time had passed, the family started to receive complaints from the employees of the clothing
02:38stores regarding Sal Devar's behavior. She supposedly was becoming insufferable,
02:44and multiple employees would decide to quit under her leadership.
02:49Selena would brush off the grievances, as Yolanda had earned her trust over the years.
02:54She couldn't fathom Sal Devar doing anything to hurt her business in any way.
02:59But the complaints kept piling up, even from non-employees regarding Yolanda.
03:05The family began receiving dozens of phone calls from customers, claiming they were scammed out of money.
03:11Selena's father decided to dig a bit deeper, and see what was really going on.
03:16He discovered some major discrepancies, when it came to the financial books for Selena's businesses.
03:23Sal Devar seemed to be embezzling thousands of dollars in various ways.
03:28The entire family would confront her about the situation.
03:32She denied the allegations, and claimed she could provide proof of her of innocence.
03:37But emphatically stating she just needed time to gather the proper documents.
03:42For the time being she would be relieved of all her official duties.
03:48After a few long weeks, Yolanda claimed she had the proper financial documents,
03:53and was ready to hand them over.
03:56Selena then arranged a meeting at a motel to exchange the materials.
04:01After several minutes of a tense conversation taking place between the two in the room.
04:06Selena would end the conversation and head for the exit.
04:10Sal Devar then reached into her purse, and pulled out a revolver, and aimed it at the singer.
04:16Selena was shot in the shoulder area hitting an artery, but was still able to make a run for it.
04:22Yolanda chased after her momentarily, but stopped after Selena had reached the lobby.
04:27She was able to get help from the staff, but eventually would collapse due to the severe loss of blood.
04:34Where? What is your location?
04:36Dave in Motel. It's 901 Navigation Boulevard.
04:39Where's my name?
04:40We have a woman ran in the lobby, said she's been shot. She's laid on the floor in his blood.
04:44Okay, where are you?
04:47How old is she?
04:48She looks about 20.
04:50Okay, she's in the lobby right now?
04:54Yes, ma'am. She just passed out.
04:56Okay. I think you need to send a police unit, too.
04:59Okay. You don't know anything else about who might have done it or anything like that?
05:02It's another lady. That's all I know. We're trying to find out.
05:07Emergency services arrived on the scene shortly after,
05:10and she was immediately rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
05:14The police also would find Saldivar sitting in her car near the parking area.
05:26While the doctors did what they could, unfortunately, the 23-year-old singer would pass away.
05:33As you may have heard some unbelievably tragic news today, Selena is dead, Selena Cantania,
05:38the Tejano music superstar who was from Corpus Christi, died this afternoon at Memorial Medical
05:43Center after being shot earlier today at the Days Inn Motel off I-37 at Navigation.
05:49After the news spread, millions were left in utter shock. Thousands of devastated fans gathered to mourn the fallen star.
05:57I was a big fan, but, you know, she was young. She was too young. She doesn't deserve that.
06:03I just love Selena so much. I saw her every show she comes out.
06:09I feel depressed because she's a very, very famous girl. And I knew her since she was small. And
06:19now, this is a tragedy.
06:23Saldivar was later found guilty of murder, and she would be sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
06:32Despite having a relatively short career, Selena would leave a lasting impact on the music world
06:38and inspire millions along the way. But what are your thoughts on this story?
06:44Were you a fan of Selena? Leave a comment below and let me know.
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