5 Essential Facts About Yetunde Price: The Unseen Sister And Her Enduring Williams Family Legacy

Yetunde Price, the eldest half-sister of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, was a vibrant, multi-talented woman whose life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence. On this current date, December 12, 2025, her story remains a powerful, often painful, reminder of the community she loved and the profound impact she had on one of the world's most famous families. Her legacy extends far beyond her familial ties, encompassing a dedicated nursing career, a passion for entrepreneurship, and a lasting commitment to her community in Compton, California.

The details surrounding her 2003 murder, the subsequent trial of her killer, and the opening of the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC) continue to resonate today, offering a crucial perspective on the Williams family's personal struggles away from the Grand Slam courts. The recent updates regarding the convicted killer, Robert E. Maxfield, who was released on parole and then re-arrested, have brought Yetunde's case back into the spotlight, highlighting the complex and ongoing emotional toll on the Williams sisters.

Yetunde Price: A Complete Biographical Profile

Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price was born on August 9, 1972, in the United States. She was the first of three daughters born to Oracene Price from her first marriage to Yusef Rasheed. Her mother, Oracene, would later marry Richard Williams and have two more daughters, Venus and Serena, making Yetunde the oldest of five sisters.

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• Full Name: Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1972
• Date of Death: September 14, 2003 (Age 31)
• Place of Death: Compton, California, U.S.
• Cause of Death: Drive-by shooting (Homicide)
• Parents: Oracene Price (Mother), Yusef Rasheed (Father)
• Half-Sisters: Venus Williams, Serena Williams
• Sisters: Isha Price, Lyndrea Price
• Career: Registered Nurse (RN), Co-owner of a beauty salon, Personal Assistant to Venus and Serena Williams.
• Children: Three children (a son named Jeffrey and two daughters), who were ages 11, 9, and 5 at the time of her death.

Before her role as a personal assistant to the world-famous tennis stars, Yetunde Price established a meaningful career as a healthcare professional. She earned her vocational nursing license and worked as a registered nurse (RN) for nine years at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California.

Yetunde was also a dedicated entrepreneur, having co-owned a beauty salon with a friend. Her life was a balance of professional dedication, motherhood to her three young children, and her supportive role within the Williams family, often traveling with Venus and Serena on the professional tennis circuit.

The Tragic Night and the Drive-By Shooting in Compton

Yetunde Price's life was tragically cut short on September 14, 2003, in her hometown of Compton, California. At the time of the shooting, she was sitting in the passenger seat of a Chevrolet Suburban SUV with her boyfriend, Rolland Wormley, near a known drug house.

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The fatal incident occurred around 12:15 a.m. The couple was caught in a confrontation when a member of a local gang, mistaking the SUV for rivals, opened fire with an assault rifle. Yetunde was struck in the chest and pronounced dead at the hospital. Her boyfriend, Wormley, drove away from the scene unharmed and immediately called the police.

The murder sent shockwaves through the sports world and the Williams family, who were known for their close-knit bond and their roots in the same Compton neighborhood. The loss was described as overwhelming by the family, as Yetunde was considered the "nucleus" and a crucial grounding force among the sisters.

The Controversial Release and Re-Arrest of Robert E. Maxfield

The man responsible for the shooting was identified as Robert Edward Maxfield, a known member of the Southside Crips gang. Maxfield was charged with murder, but the legal proceedings were complex and emotionally taxing for the Williams family.

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After two mistrials, Maxfield ultimately pleaded no-contest to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter in 2006. He was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

The Shocking Parole and Subsequent Re-Arrest

In a development that brought the tragedy back into the public eye and caused immense pain for the Williams sisters, Robert Maxfield was released from prison on parole in 2018 after serving only 12 years of his sentence due to good behavior.

Serena Williams publicly spoke about the trauma of learning about Maxfield's release just before a major tennis match, highlighting the profound emotional difficulty of the situation.

In a turn of events that further complicated the case, Maxfield was re-arrested shortly after his release for violating the terms of his parole. While the specific details of the violation were not always fully disclosed, the quick re-arrest underscored the ongoing challenges of reducing gang violence and ensuring justice in cases like Yetunde's.

Yetunde's Enduring Legacy: The Resource Center and 'King Richard'

Yetunde Price's death, while a devastating end to a promising life, became a catalyst for a positive and lasting change in the Compton community she called home. Her sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, established the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC) in her honor.

Launched in 2016, the YPRC is a community center dedicated to providing support and resources to victims of violence and their families in the Compton area. The center offers a wide range of services, including mental health support, trauma-informed care, education, and various community programs, reflecting Yetunde's own background as a nurse committed to helping others.

The establishment of the YPRC is a testament to the family's resilience, transforming their personal grief into a powerful force for good, directly addressing the cycle of violence that claimed Yetunde's life. The center stands as the most significant, ongoing tribute to her memory.

Yetunde Price's Portrayal in *King Richard*

Yetunde Price’s story gained a new level of public awareness with the release of the 2021 biographical film *King Richard*, which chronicles the early life and career of Venus and Serena Williams under their father Richard Williams.

In the film, Yetunde is portrayed by actress Mikayla LaShae Bartholomew. The movie includes a poignant, albeit brief, depiction of her tragic death, which was emotionally difficult for the real-life sisters to watch. Serena Williams, in particular, has spoken about crying when she saw her late sister portrayed on screen, emphasizing the deep and lasting nature of her grief.

Yetunde Price was more than just the sister of two tennis icons; she was a mother, a registered nurse, an entrepreneur, and a cherished family member who left behind a legacy of strength and service. Her life, though tragically short, continues to inspire through the Yetunde Price Resource Center, ensuring that her name is synonymous with hope and healing in the community she loved.