Ep 3. The Selena Murder Trial
- December 7, 1996
- 43 min
The Selena Murder Trial is the third episode of the first season of E! True Hollywood Story. The episode delves into the tragic murder of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla-Perez and the subsequent trial of her killer, Yolanda Saldivar.
The episode begins with a look back at Selena's rise to fame, from her humble beginnings in Texas to her status as an international pop star. Through interviews with Selena's family, friends, and colleagues, the episode explores how Selena made an impact on the music industry and became an icon for Mexican-Americans and Latinx people around the world.
The episode then shifts its focus to the events leading up to Selena's murder. Yolanda Saldivar, the founder of Selena's fan club and manager of her boutiques, was accused of embezzling money from the singer's businesses. Selena had confronted Saldivar about the missing funds and had decided to fire her as her manager.
On March 31, 1995, Selena met with Saldivar at a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas, to retrieve financial records Saldivar had been refusing to turn over. During their conversation, Saldivar pulled out a gun and shot Selena, who was rushed to a nearby hospital but died from her injuries.
The episode goes into detail about the aftermath of Selena's death, including the shock and grief felt by her fans and loved ones. The Tejano community came together to mourn Selena and celebrate her life, with vigils and memorial services held across the country.
The episode then explores the investigation and trial of Yolanda Saldivar. Through interviews with prosecutors, defense attorneys, and witnesses, the episode covers the evidence presented in court and the arguments made by both sides.
The trial was a media sensation, with reporters from all over the world covering the proceedings. The episode includes interviews with journalists who were there, offering their perspectives on how the trial unfolded and the impact it had on the public.
Overall, The Selena Murder Trial offers a comprehensive look at the life and death of Selena Quintanilla-Perez and the trial of her killer. Through interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the episode explores the impact that Selena had on the music industry and on the Latinx community, as well as the tragedy of her untimely death.
