5 Unforgettable Facts About The Tragic Murder Of Serena Williams' Sister, Yetunde Price

The murder of Yetunde Price, the older half-sister of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, remains a profound and tragic chapter in the family’s history. Though the fatal drive-by shooting occurred over two decades ago in 2003, the emotional impact and the legacy of the life lost continue to resonate today, with new details about the killer's parole and the family's ongoing philanthropic work providing a fresh, current perspective on this devastating event.

As of late 2024, the story is no longer just about the tragedy itself, but about the resilience of the Williams family and their commitment to transforming their grief into a powerful force for good in the community where Yetunde Price was killed. The details surrounding the perpetrator's release and Serena Williams' raw, personal reaction to the news offer a poignant reminder of the long shadow cast by violence.

Yetunde Price: The Life and Legacy of Serena and Venus’s Eldest Sister

Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price was more than just the sister of two global sports icons; she was a vibrant, successful woman in her own right, a dedicated mother, and a vital part of the close-knit Williams-Price family. Born on August 9, 1972, Yetunde was the eldest of the five daughters of Oracene Price, the mother of Venus and Serena. Her full sisters are Lyndrea Price and Isha Price.

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Yetunde lived a multi-faceted life that spanned several successful careers. She was a registered nurse, a thriving business owner, and she also worked as a personal assistant and coordinator for her younger sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, often traveling with them on the demanding professional tennis circuit.

Crucially, Yetunde Price was a mother to three children. Her sudden and violent death in 2003 left a hole in the family that no amount of professional success could ever fill. She was known for her warmth and her role as a grounding force within the family, a stark contrast to the glitz and pressure of her sisters' fame.

The Tragic Night: Details of the 2003 Compton Drive-By Shooting

The night of September 14, 2003, forever changed the Williams family. Yetunde Price, then 31 years old, was in the family’s hometown of Compton, California, a place intrinsically linked to the Williams sisters' origin story.

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She was sitting in a sport utility vehicle (SUV) with her male friend, Rolland Wormley, in the 1100 block of East Greenleaf Boulevard, about a mile from the tennis courts where Venus and Serena first honed their world-class skills.

The pair was reportedly having a conversation when a sudden burst of gunfire erupted. The shots were fired from a passing vehicle in what authorities later described as a drive-by shooting, a brutal hallmark of gang violence in the area. Yetunde was struck in the chest. She was rushed to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after.

The target of the shooting was believed to be the area where Yetunde's SUV was parked, not Yetunde or her friend specifically. The violence was a random, senseless act that claimed the life of an innocent mother and sister. The tennis world and the Compton community were left reeling in shock at the devastating news.

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The Killer’s Parole and Serena Williams’ Emotional Reaction

The man responsible for the shooting was identified as Robert Edward Maxfield, a reputed member of the Southside Crips gang. Maxfield, who was 25 at the time, was arrested and later pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter. In 2006, he was sentenced to 15 years in state prison for the crime.

The most recent and emotionally charged update in this case came in 2018. Robert Edward Maxfield was released on parole in August 2018, having served nearly 15 years of his sentence.

This news had a direct and immediate impact on Serena Williams. In a startling revelation, Serena disclosed that she learned of Maxfield’s parole just 10 minutes before she was due to play a major match at the 2018 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The emotional shock contributed to what she has called the "worst loss" of her professional career.

Serena has spoken publicly about the difficulty of processing the release, acknowledging the complexity of forgiveness and grief. In a rare, tearful interview, she addressed the murder, stating that she "cried the whole time" and expressed her struggle with the reality that her sister's killer was now free.

The tennis champion has expressed a desire to meet Maxfield, not out of malice, but to find closure. The lingering pain of Yetunde's death and the challenge of navigating the justice system’s decision to grant parole highlight the profound, long-term psychological toll of such a tragedy on a family.

Yetunde Price Resource Center: Transforming Grief into Community Action

In the wake of their devastating loss, the Williams family chose to channel their grief into a powerful, positive force for the Compton community. This commitment to healing and change is embodied by the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC).

Established in her honor, the YPRC is a crucial entity that provides support and resources to individuals and families in Compton who have been affected by violence and trauma. The center's mission is to assist, educate, and strengthen the community, ensuring that anyone impacted by violence, either directly or indirectly, can access the necessary resources to flourish physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The YPRC focuses on a holistic approach, offering services that include mental health support, trauma-informed care, and violence prevention programs. It stands as a living, breathing testament to Yetunde Price’s generous spirit and the Williams family’s deep roots in the community.

The center’s activities, which are ongoing in 2024, demonstrate the family's dedication to creating a legacy far more powerful than the tragedy that struck them. It ensures that Yetunde's memory is tied not to her death, but to the life-changing support she continues to provide for the people of Compton.

The Enduring Impact on Venus and Serena Williams

Yetunde Price’s murder is an indelible part of the Williams sisters' narrative. While they have achieved unparalleled success in tennis, the loss of their beloved sister has shaped their lives, their perspective on fame, and their commitment to social justice.

Venus Williams and Serena Williams were both deeply affected, with Venus receiving the news while visiting New York City for Fashion Week. The suddenness of the event sent shockwaves through the entire family structure.

The sisters have consistently used their platform to advocate for change and to support the work of the YPRC. Their dedication to honoring their sister’s memory through tangible community support solidifies their status not just as sports champions, but as powerful philanthropists committed to addressing the cycle of violence. The legacy of Yetunde Price is one of love, loss, and the ultimate triumph of hope and community action over tragedy.