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The Unseen Tragedy: 5 Shocking Facts About The Murder Of Serena Williams' Sister And The Killer's Current Status

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The murder of Yetunde Price, the beloved older half-sister of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, remains one of the most heartbreaking and pivotal moments in the family's history. The tragedy, which occurred over two decades ago, continues to resonate, not only through the pain it caused but also through the powerful legacy it inspired. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, the most significant update revolves around the man convicted of the crime, and the ongoing philanthropic efforts established in Yetunde’s name.

This article provides a deep dive into the life of Yetunde Price, the shocking details of her drive-by shooting death, and the crucial, up-to-date information regarding the killer’s status and the Williams family’s enduring mission to transform their grief into community action through the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC).

Yetunde Price: A Full Biography of the Williams Sisters' Eldest Sibling

Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price was much more than just the half-sister of two global sports icons; she was a mother, a registered nurse, an entrepreneur, and a grounding force for the entire Williams-Price family. Her life, though tragically cut short, was one of dedication and support for her loved ones.

  • Full Name: Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price
  • Date of Birth: August 9, 1972
  • Date of Death: September 14, 2003 (Aged 31)
  • Place of Death: Compton, California
  • Parents: Oracene Price (Mother) and Yusef Rasheed (Father, Oracene's first husband)
  • Siblings: Isha Price, Lyndrea Price (full sisters from Oracene's first marriage); Venus Williams and Serena Williams (half-sisters from Oracene's marriage to Richard Williams)
  • Profession: Registered Nurse (worked for nine years at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood), Personal Assistant to Venus and Serena Williams, and owner of a beauty salon.
  • Children: Yetunde was a divorced mother of three children: Jeffrey, Justus, and Jair.
  • Legacy: The Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC) in Compton, California, was established in her honor by the Williams family.

Yetunde was the eldest of Oracene Price’s five daughters. While Venus and Serena pursued their legendary tennis careers, Yetunde remained a steady presence in Compton, working as a nurse and raising her children. She eventually moved into the role of personal assistant for her famous sisters, a role that kept her close to the family as they navigated the world of professional tennis. Her ties to the community were deep, making her tragic death in the city she loved all the more devastating.

The Shocking Details of the 2003 Drive-By Shooting

The night of September 14, 2003, shattered the Williams family forever. Yetunde Price was sitting in a parked SUV with her boyfriend, Jeffrey Johnson, near a known drug house in Compton, California, close to the former family home. The time was just after midnight.

The Perpetrator and the Motive

The shooting was a random, senseless act of gang violence. A member of the notorious Southside Crips gang, Robert Edward Maxfield, fired multiple rounds at the SUV, mistaking it for a vehicle belonging to a rival gang.

  • The Killer: Robert Edward Maxfield, 25 years old at the time of the shooting.
  • The Incident: Maxfield, who later confessed to firing the shots, claimed he was acting in self-defense, believing he was being ambushed by rivals.
  • The Victim: Yetunde Price was struck in the chest by a bullet and died at the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
  • The Conviction: In 2006, Maxfield pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

The news sent shockwaves through the world of sports and beyond. Venus Williams, who was in New York City for Fashion Week when she received the news, and Serena Williams, who was preparing for a tournament, were left reeling by the sudden, violent loss of their sister.

The Killer's Release and the Family's Enduring Legacy (Latest Updates)

While the murder occurred in 2003, the case has seen significant developments in recent years, particularly concerning the man responsible and the Williams family's response to the ongoing trauma of inner-city violence.

The Release of Robert Maxfield

The most crucial update for those following the case is the status of Yetunde’s killer. Robert Edward Maxfield was released from prison on parole in August 2018, after serving nearly 15 years of his sentence.

Maxfield was reportedly released early due to good behavior. The news of his release brought the painful memory back to the forefront for the Williams family. Serena Williams, in particular, has spoken about the difficulty of processing her sister’s murder and the concept of forgiveness. She once stated that she found out about Maxfield's release on social media, a detail that added another layer of pain to the already complex emotional landscape.

The raw, emotional impact of Yetunde’s death was brought to a new generation through the 2021 biographical film *King Richard*, which depicts the early lives of Venus and Serena Williams and features Yetunde prominently. Serena Williams has admitted to crying while watching the portrayal of her late sister on screen, underscoring the profound and lasting nature of her grief.

The Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC)

In the face of devastating loss, the Williams family chose to honor Yetunde’s memory by addressing the root cause of her death: community violence. In 2016, Venus and Serena Williams, along with their family, opened the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC) in Compton, California.

The YPRC is a cornerstone of the family's philanthropic efforts and a key entity in the area of violence prevention and community support. It is dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals and families in Compton and surrounding communities who have been affected by violence and trauma.

The center’s mission aligns perfectly with Yetunde’s own professional background as a nurse and her dedication to her community. Programs at the YPRC focus on:

  • Trauma-informed care and mental health services.
  • Educational and vocational training.
  • Connecting residents to local resources and support networks.

By establishing the YPRC, the Williams sisters have ensured that Yetunde Price’s name is not solely associated with tragedy, but with a powerful, ongoing force for healing and positive change in the community she called home. This enduring legacy is the ultimate testament to her life and the strength of the Williams-Price family.

serena williams sister killed
serena williams sister killed

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