The Tragic Truth: Was Serena Williams' Sister Killed By The Crips? (Latest Updates On The Killer's Release)

The tragic death of Yetunde Price, the beloved older half-sister of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, is a harrowing chapter in the family's history that continues to draw intense curiosity, especially regarding the circumstances of her murder. As of late December 2025, the facts remain clear: Yetunde Price was killed by a convicted gang member in a devastating act of random violence, a tragedy that forever linked the Williams family to the harsh realities of gang-related crime in Compton, California. The most recent, and perhaps most painful, development for the family was the controversial 2018 release of her killer, Robert Edward Maxfield, a parole decision that brought renewed focus to the decades-old tragedy.

The question of whether Serena Williams' sister was killed by the Crips is not only true but forms the core of the 2003 murder case. Yetunde Price was fatally shot by a member of the notorious Southside Crips gang, a senseless act of violence that occurred while she was sitting in an SUV in her childhood neighborhood of Compton. This article delves into the full biography of Yetunde, the details of the shooting, the ensuing trial, and the emotional aftermath of the killer's release from prison.

Yetunde Price: Complete Biography and Profile

Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price was the eldest of the five daughters of Oracene Price, the mother of Venus and Serena Williams. She lived a life dedicated to her family and her career, far from the international spotlight of her younger sisters, but was an integral part of the Williams' inner circle.

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• Full Name: Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1972
• Date of Death: September 14, 2003 (Age 31)
• Parents: Oracene Price and Yusef Rasheed (biological father); Richard Williams (stepfather)
• Sisters: Isha Price, Lyndrea Price, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams
• Occupation: Registered Nurse, Business Owner, and Personal Assistant to Venus and Serena Williams
• Marital Status: Unmarried, but in a long-term relationship with Rolland Wormley at the time of her death.
• Children: Three children (daughters)
• Legacy: A pillar of support and a grounding force for the Williams family, often accompanying her sisters on their professional tennis tours.

Yetunde was known for her grounding presence and her role as a personal assistant, helping manage the demanding schedules of the two global tennis icons. She was a licensed registered nurse and also owned a beauty salon, balancing her professional life with her commitment to her three children. Her death was a devastating blow to the entire family, particularly her mother, Oracene Price, and her sisters, who viewed her as a central figure in their lives.

The Tragic Night: Crips Involvement and the Drive-By Shooting

The night of September 14, 2003, remains a tragic marker in the family’s history. Yetunde Price was in Compton, California, a city inextricably linked to the Williams sisters’ origin story, despite the family having moved to Florida years prior. She was sitting in a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV with her boyfriend, Rolland Wormley, near a known drug house on Greenleaf Boulevard.

The shooting was a clear act of gang violence.

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The Perpetrator and Gang Affiliation

The man convicted of the murder was Robert Edward Maxfield, a member of the Southside Crips gang.

The prosecution established that Maxfield, then 22, opened fire on the SUV from a distance with an assault rifle, believing the vehicle belonged to a rival gang member.

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Yetunde Price was struck in the head by a bullet and died instantly.

The location of the shooting was near the home of her childhood friend, and Yetunde was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Maxfield was arrested shortly after the incident. The senseless nature of the crime—a drive-by shooting targeting an innocent victim—highlighted the severe problem of gang violence in the area, which the Williams family had famously worked to escape.

The Trial, Conviction, and Robert Maxfield's Controversial Release

The legal proceedings following Yetunde Price’s murder were lengthy and complex. The case went through several stages, including a mistrial for a second suspect who was ultimately not convicted. In 2006, Robert Edward Maxfield pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter.

The Sentence and Plea Bargain

Maxfield was sentenced to 15 years in state prison for the killing.

His plea of no contest to voluntary manslaughter, rather than first-degree murder, was part of a deal that closed the painful chapter of the trial for the Williams family.

The Parole and Release in 2018

The most recent and significant update to the case came in 2018. After serving approximately 15 years, Robert Edward Maxfield was released from prison on parole.

He was granted parole early on the basis of good behavior, having completed his full sentence.

This news sent a shockwave through the Williams family, particularly Serena Williams, who learned of the parole just moments before a major tennis match at the Indian Wells tournament.

Serena later spoke about the moment, describing the immense emotional toll it took on her, stating that she "cried" and that the news had completely thrown her off mentally.

The impact of the parole was so profound that it became a major talking point in the media, underscoring the family's enduring grief and the difficult reality of the justice system.

The Williams Family Legacy and Enduring Impact

The murder of Yetunde Price had a profound and lasting effect on the Williams family, who have often spoken about the pain and the void she left behind. The tragedy has also cemented their commitment to giving back to the community that raised them.

The Yetunde Price Resource Center

In her honor, the Williams family established the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC) in Compton.

The center is dedicated to helping victims of violence and trauma, providing a tangible way for the family to channel their grief into positive community action.

It focuses on addressing the long-term emotional and psychological needs of families affected by violence, serving as a powerful tribute to Yetunde’s legacy as a nurse and community pillar.

Forgiveness and Healing

Both Venus and Serena Williams have spoken publicly about the importance of forgiveness as a path to healing, a sentiment championed by their mother, Oracene Price.

Serena, in particular, has reflected on the difficulty of the process, but recognized that forgiveness is necessary for her own peace.

The story of Yetunde Price, her life as a dedicated mother and sister, and her tragic death at the hands of a Southside Crips gang member, remains a complex narrative of achievement, loss, and the enduring power of family love in the face of profound adversity. Her story is a stark reminder of the violence that can abruptly shatter lives, even those connected to global icons.