The Unspoken Tragedy: 5 Things You Didn't Know About The Shooting Of Serena Williams’ Sister, Yetunde Price

The murder of Yetunde Price, the beloved older half-sister of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, remains one of the most tragic and defining moments in the family's history. Nearly two decades after the devastating event on September 14, 2003, the case continues to be a point of deep emotional reflection for the Williams family, especially following the controversial 2018 parole of her killer. This article, updated for the current date, delves into the full narrative, from Yetunde's vibrant life and the shocking circumstances of her death to the lasting legacy the Williams sisters have built in her honor. Yetunde Price was more than just a family member; she was a registered nurse, a personal assistant to her younger sisters, and a mother of three. Her life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence in the very city that shaped the tennis champions, forever altering the family's dynamic and inspiring a powerful community response.

Biography and Profile of Yetunde Price

Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price was the eldest of the Williams-Price sisters, a guiding light and a constant presence in the lives of Venus and Serena. Her life was characterized by dedication to her family and a commitment to helping others.

• Full Name: Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1972
• Date of Death: September 14, 2003 (Age 31)
• Parents: Oracene Price (mother) and Yusef Rasheed (biological father). Richard Williams was her stepfather.
• Siblings: Half-sister to Venus Williams and Serena Williams; full sister to Lyndrea Price and Isha Price.
• Occupation: Yetunde was a registered nurse and worked as a personal assistant to her younger tennis champion sisters, managing their busy schedules and personal affairs.
• Children: She was a loving mother to three children: Jeffrey, Justus, and Jair.
• Place of Death: Compton, California, near the 1100 block of East Greenleaf Boulevard.

The Tragic Night: Details of the Compton Shooting

The night of September 14, 2003, Yetunde Price was in her hometown of Compton, California, a place she had returned to after years of traveling with her celebrity sisters. She was sitting in a sport utility vehicle (SUV) with her boyfriend, Rolland Wormley, near a known drug house on East Greenleaf Boulevard, not far from the famous tennis courts where Venus and Serena learned to play.

The fatal incident occurred shortly after midnight. Yetunde and Wormley were reportedly caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting. The shooter, later identified as Robert Edward Maxfield, a member of the notorious Crips gang, fired multiple rounds at the SUV.

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Yetunde Price was struck in the head by a bullet and died at the scene. Her boyfriend, Rolland Wormley, was uninjured and immediately drove Yetunde to a relative's house, where they called for help, but it was too late. The senseless act of gang violence shocked the world and brought the harsh reality of Compton's struggles directly into the lives of two of the world's most famous athletes.

The Legal Aftermath and Robert Maxfield's Controversial Release

The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Robert Edward Maxfield, a 24-year-old local resident and documented gang member. The legal process was complex, involving two mistrials before a resolution was reached. Maxfield was ultimately charged with voluntary manslaughter, a lesser charge than murder, and sentenced to 15 years in state prison in 2006.

The most significant and recent development in the case came over a decade later. In 2018, Robert Maxfield was released on parole. He was freed after serving approximately 12 years of his 15-year sentence, an early release that sent shockwaves through the Williams family and the community.

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The news of Maxfield's release resurfaced in the media when Serena Williams spoke about its profound personal impact. She revealed that she learned of his release just moments before a match at the 2018 Silicon Valley Classic, a revelation that she felt contributed to one of the worst losses of her career. The emotional toll was immense. "I couldn't shake it out of my mind," Williams said, detailing how she "cried the whole time" upon hearing the news.

The question of forgiveness has been a central theme in the family's public statements. While the Williams family has often spoken about faith and moving forward, Serena Williams has been candid that she has not yet forgiven Maxfield for taking her sister’s life.

A Lasting Legacy: The Yetunde Price Resource Center

In the wake of their devastating loss, Venus and Serena Williams chose to channel their grief into a powerful, positive force for change in the community where their sister died. This effort resulted in the creation of the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC) in Compton.

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Established in 2016, the YPRC is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and resources to victims of violence and their families in Compton and the surrounding areas. The center acts as a hub for trauma-informed care, offering counseling, educational programs, and partnerships with local organizations to address the deep-seated issues that lead to gang violence and community trauma.

The center’s mission reflects Yetunde’s own professional background as a nurse and her desire to help others. By focusing on mental health and community healing, the Williams sisters have ensured that Yetunde Price’s memory is not defined solely by the tragedy of her death, but by a living, breathing resource that helps prevent other families from experiencing similar pain.

This initiative is a profound example of the family’s resilience and commitment to their roots. It serves as a tangible reminder of the impact of drive-by shooting and gang-related violence on the community, particularly in areas like Compton. The YPRC is a key part of the Williams family's philanthropic work, providing a safe space for healing and hope.

Yetunde Price in the Williams Family Narrative and 'King Richard'

Yetunde Price’s life and death have been interwoven into the broader public narrative of the Williams family, most notably in the 2021 biographical film *King Richard*. The film, which chronicles the early lives and careers of Venus and Serena under the guidance of their father, Richard Williams, prominently features Yetunde.

The depiction of their older sister in the film was deeply emotional for the champions. Serena Williams stated that she “cried the whole time” while watching the film, acknowledging the pain of seeing her sister brought back to life on screen. This illustrates the enduring grief and the deep bond the sisters shared.

Yetunde Price was instrumental in the early success of her sisters, serving as a crucial support system. Her presence in the film ensures that her contributions to the family's journey are not forgotten. The film and the family's subsequent interviews have brought renewed attention to the tragedy, ensuring that Yetunde's story—a story of love, loss, and legacy—continues to resonate with a global audience. The family's ability to transform their grief into the Yetunde Price Resource Center is a testament to their strength and a powerful counter-narrative to the violence that took her life.