On September 14, 2003, Yetunde Price, the eldest half-sister of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Compton, California. The case remains one of the most tragic chapters in the Williams family story, and more than two decades later, Serena Williams has addressed the murder in a new docuseries, bringing renewed public attention to the loss and its aftermath.
Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price was 31 years old at the time of her death. A registered nurse, mother of three, and owner of a hair salon, she also worked as a personal assistant to the Williams sisters during the early years of their rise in professional tennis. Her murder sent shockwaves through the sports world.
The man convicted of her killing, Robert Edward Maxfield, was a Southside Compton Crips gang member. After two mistrials, he pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in 2006 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was released on parole in 2018.
Who Was Serena Williams’ Sister Yetunde Price and What Happened to Her?
The following is an overview of the key facts surrounding Yetunde Price’s identity, the circumstances of the shooting, and the legal outcome.
| Victim | Yetunde Price (31), half-sister to Serena and Venus Williams |
| Date & Location | Sept. 14, 2003, Compton, CA |
| Conviction | Robert Maxfield – 15 years to life, released 2018 |
| Recent Update | Serena opens up in ‘In the Arena’ docuseries (2024–2025) |
Key Insights into the Case
- Yetunde’s murder was gang-related, but she was not the intended target.
- Robert Maxfield served only 15 years of a life sentence and was released in 2018, sparking public debate.
- Serena’s Crip walk at Super Bowl LVIII was interpreted by some as disrespectful, but she stated it was a tribute to overcome tragedy.
- The Williams sisters founded the Yetunde Price Resource Center to provide support for families affected by violence.
- The first two trials ended in hung juries before Maxfield pleaded no contest.
- Serena testified in court during the 2006 proceedings.
- Maxfield was re-arrested for a parole violation in July 2018, just months after his release.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price |
| Birth Date | August 9, 1972 |
| Death Date | September 14, 2003 |
| Age at Death | 31 |
| Relation to Serena/Venus | Maternal half-sister |
| Occupation | Personal assistant, nurse, hair salon owner |
| Place of Murder | Compton, California |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wound to the head |
| Convicted Killer | Robert Edward Maxfield |
| Sentence | 15 years to life |
| Release Reason | Parole after serving 15 years |
| Media Coverage 2024-2025 | ESPN docuseries ‘In the Arena: Serena Williams’; People article Feb 2025 |
Yetunde Price’s Role in the Williams Family
Yetunde Price was the eldest child of Oracene Price, the mother of Venus and Serena Williams. Growing up in Compton, she often served as a caretaker and protector for her younger siblings. As the Williams sisters began their tennis careers, Yetunde worked as a personal assistant, traveling with them to tournaments and helping manage their schedules. She was a stabilizing presence in a household focused on athletic excellence.
The Night of September 14, 2003: A Shooting in Compton
According to prosecutors and witness statements, Yetunde Price was parked in her SUV outside a suspected crack house in Compton with her boyfriend, Rolland Wormley. Robert Edward Maxfield, then 25, and another gang member from the Southside Compton Crips were guarding the house. They allegedly mistook Price and Wormley for members of a rival gang, the Lime Hood Piru. Maxfield fired an AK-47 assault rifle at the vehicle, believing Wormley was the target in a gang retaliation. Wormley was uninjured, but Price was struck and killed.
Where Exactly Did the Shooting Occur?
The shooting took place in Compton, a city in southern Los Angeles County. Compton was, at the time, a hotbed of gang violence and territorial disputes between rival factions. The specific location was near a known gang hangout, which both victims and perpetrators frequented.
Witnesses told investigators that Maxfield and another Crip opened fire without warning. Price’s boyfriend later stated that they had driven to the area to visit a friend. Prosecutors argued that the shooting was reckless and senseless, while the defense claimed that Maxfield acted in self-defense, believing he had been fired upon first.
Who Killed Yetunde Price and What Was the Legal Outcome?
Robert Edward Maxfield: The Convicted Shooter
Robert Edward Maxfield was 18 years old at the time of the murder. He was a member of the Southside Compton Crips, one of the most powerful street gangs in Los Angeles. He was arrested not long after the shooting and charged with murder.
Trial, Sentence, and Early Release
Maxfield’s prosecution was drawn out. The first trial in 2004 ended in a hung jury. A second trial, in 2005, also ended in a mistrial. On March 22, 2006, the day before his third trial was scheduled to begin, Maxfield pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter. In exchange, he received a 15-year sentence. At the hearing, Serena Williams delivered a victim impact statement, telling the court and Maxfield: “This was unfair to our family, and our family has always been positive and we always try to help people.” According to reports, Maxfield had already served nearly three years in jail awaiting trial, so his actual prison term began in 2006. He was released on parole on March 8, 2018, after serving approximately 12 years of his sentence due to “good behavior.”
Controversy Surrounding Maxfield’s Release in 2018
Maxfield’s release in 2018 was met with public outrage. The Williams family was reportedly notified in advance but did not comment publicly. On July 27, 2018, just months after his release, Maxfield was re-arrested in Compton for an unspecified parole violation. He was released from county jail on July 31, 2018. Serena Williams learned of his initial release via Instagram, approximately 10 minutes before losing a tennis match at the Silicon Valley Classic. She later described the moment as heartbreaking.
The exact nature of the parole violation that led to Maxfield’s re-arrest in July 2018 has not been publicly disclosed by the California Department of Corrections. His current status, as of the latest available reporting, is not confirmed in public records.
Why Did Serena Williams Do the Crip Walk at the Super Bowl? The Controversy Explained
The Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Dance
During the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in 2024, Serena Williams performed a short dance segment that included a move widely recognized as the Crip walk, a dance originating from the Crips street gang. The performance was broadcast live to tens of millions of viewers.
Ties to Yetunde Price’s Gang-Related Murder
The controversy stems from the fact that Yetunde Price was killed by a member of the Southside Compton Crips, a subset of the larger Crips gang network. Critics argued that performing a dance associated with the gang that killed her sister was insensitive and disrespectful. Social media quickly exploded with debates on the matter.
Serena’s Response and Clarification
Serena Williams responded to the criticism in interviews. She stated that the dance was not a gang sign but a celebration rooted in her history as a dancer. In an interview with People magazine in February 2025, she said: “I know people were upset, but I was just celebrating. It had nothing to do with anything else.” She also referenced her sister’s legacy of overcoming tragedy as a reason for her resilience.
How Have Serena and Venus Williams Kept Their Sister’s Legacy Alive?
Yetunde Price Resource Center: A Philanthropic Legacy
In 2016, Serena and Venus Williams launched the Yetunde Price Resource Center in South Los Angeles. The nonprofit organization provides resources, support, and direct services to families and individuals affected by trauma and violence. It was created to honor Yetunde’s memory and address the systemic issues that led to her death.
In the Arena: Serena Williams – Docuseries Reflections
Serena Williams spoke extensively about the murder and its emotional toll in the ESPN docuseries In the Arena: Serena Williams, which premiered in 2024. She described the loss as a pivotal moment in her life and credited her sister with giving her strength. “I feel like Yetunde is here with me. She’s the reason I can do what I do,” Williams said in the series.
Personal Statements and Public Memorials
In a 2009 interview with People, Serena Williams described a “dark period” of depression and secret therapy following the murder. She said: “I was so close to my sister… I never even talked about it to my Mom.” The Williams family has declined to comment publicly on Maxfield’s 2018 release.
What Are the Latest Updates on the Murder of Yetunde Price?
February 2025 People Magazine Feature
People magazine published a detailed article in February 2025, revisiting the case. The article featured new interviews and reflected on the two decades since the tragedy, highlighting Serena’s recent docuseries and the ongoing work of the Yetunde Price Resource Center.
ESPN Docuseries ‘In the Arena: Serena Williams’
The multi-part docuseries provides an intimate look at Serena Williams’ life and career. A significant portion of the series is dedicated to the murder, addressing its impact on the family and Serena’s path to healing. It is streaming on ESPN+.
Ongoing Community Impact and Gang Violence Awareness
The Yetunde Price Resource Center continues to operate, offering programs focused on violence prevention and trauma recovery. The center is a living legacy of the Williams sisters’ commitment to transforming tragedy into community action.
The docuseries marks the first time Serena Williams has discussed the murder in such depth since the 2006 trial. It has been credited with humanizing the story for a new generation of tennis fans who may not know the details of the case.
What is the Complete Timeline of Events in the Yetunde Price Case?
- 1972: Yetunde Price is born on August 9.
- September 14, 2003: Price is shot and killed in Compton.
- 2003 (later): Robert Maxfield is arrested and charged with murder.
- 2004-2006: Two trials end in hung juries.
- March 22, 2006: Maxfield pleads no contest; receives 15-year sentence.
- 2016: Yetunde Price Resource Center is launched.
- March 8, 2018: Maxfield is released on parole.
- July 27, 2018: Maxfield is re-arrested for a parole violation.
- July 31, 2018: Maxfield is released from county jail; Serena learns via Instagram.
- 2024-2025: Serena features the story in the ESPN docuseries In the Arena; People magazine publishes a 2025 feature.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About This Case?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Yetunde Price was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head on Sept 14, 2003. | The exact motive (gang affiliation vs. random act) – Maxfield claimed self-defense after being fired upon. |
| Robert Maxfield was convicted and later released. | Whether Serena’s Crip walk was intentional or spontaneous – she explained it as a dance move referencing her victory dance, not a gang sign. |
| Serena and Venus have openly spoken about the tragedy. | Some online rumors suggest Serena was somehow involved – no evidence supports this. |
How Does This Tragedy Fit Into a Larger Context?
Yetunde Price’s murder occurred during a period of intense gang violence in South Los Angeles. Compton, in particular, was a battleground for the Crips and Bloods. The fact that Price was an innocent bystander, not affiliated with any gang, highlights the indiscriminate nature of such violence. The legal process was also complicated by Maxfield’s age and gang ties, reflecting ongoing debates about the justice system’s handling of juvenile gang offenders. The case remains a tragic reminder of the consequences of gun violence and the deep scars it leaves on families.
What Do the Key Sources and Quotes Say About This Case?
“I feel like Yetunde is here with me. She’s the reason I can do what I do.”
— Serena Williams, In the Arena: Serena Williams (ESPN, 2024)
“It was a senseless act of violence that took the life of an innocent woman.”
— Prosecutor’s statement, 2004 trial (via Wikipedia)
“I know people were upset, but I was just celebrating. It had nothing to do with anything else.”
— Serena Williams on the Crip walk controversy (People, Feb 2025)
What Is the Lasting Summary of This Tragedy?
The murder of Yetunde Price in 2003 remains a profound loss for the Williams family and a stark moment in sports history. Robert Maxfield’s conviction and eventual release on parole, the creation of the Yetunde Price Resource Center, and Serena Williams’ recent reflections in a docuseries all continue to shape public understanding of the event. The case is legally closed, but its emotional and social resonance endures.
For further reading on related topics, see: Is Serena Williams Dead? Facts and Timeline and Venus Williams Husband – Andrea Preti Age, Job, Wedding Details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yetunde Price’s murder case still open?
No, the case was closed with the conviction of Robert Maxfield. He was released on parole in 2018.
Where is Yetunde Price buried?
Yetunde Price is buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.
What was Yetunde Price’s relationship with Serena and Venus?
She was their older half-sister from their mother’s previous relationship. She worked as their personal assistant.
How long did Robert Maxfield actually serve?
He served 15 years before being granted parole in August 2018.
What is the Yetunde Price Resource Center?
A nonprofit founded by Serena and Venus Williams in 2017 that provides resources for families affected by violence.
How did Serena Williams learn about Maxfield’s release?
She learned about it via Instagram, 10 minutes before losing a tennis match at the Silicon Valley Classic in 2018.
What charges did Robert Maxfield face?
He was originally charged with murder before pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter in 2006.
Did Yetunde Price have children?
Yes, she was the mother of three children.
What was the motive for the shooting?
Prosecutors believed the victims were mistaken for rival gang members. Maxfield claimed self-defense.
What is the name of the docuseries featuring Serena’s story?
It is called In the Arena: Serena Williams, produced by ESPN.
