Musicians & Composers · Late 20th Century
Selena Quintanilla’s Last Words
“Room 158 at the Days Inn.”— Selena Quintanilla, March 31, 1995
Who Was Selena Quintanilla?
Selena Quintanilla was the Queen of Tejano Music and best-selling Latin artist of the 1990s.
The Final Moments
Selena was shot by Yolanda Saldívar at a Corpus Christi motel; her final words directed hotel staff to the room where she was shot.
Are These Words Verified?
High confidence. Multiple hotel staff members testified at trial that Selena identified the room where she'd been shot before collapsing.
Sources
- firsthand Days Inn staff witness testimony
- archive Trial transcript, Texas v. Saldívar
- newspaper Corpus Christi Caller-Times coverage
Legacy
Selena opened the door for a generation of Latin artists and remains one of the most beloved Latinas in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Selena Quintanilla’s last words?
“Room 158 at the Days Inn.”
How did Selena Quintanilla die?
Selena Quintanilla died on March 31, 1995 at the age of 23. Cause of death: Gunshot wound.
Were Selena Quintanilla’s last words documented?
High confidence. Multiple hotel staff members testified at trial that Selena identified the room where she'd been shot before collapsing.