The Unspoken Tragedy: 5 Essential Facts About The Shooting Of Serena Williams’ Sister, Yetunde Price, And Her Killer’s Release
The tragic death of Yetunde Price, the older half-sister and personal assistant to tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams, remains one of the most painful and enduring stories in the history of the Williams family. Nearly two decades after the fatal shooting, the emotional ripple effect continues to shape the lives of the world-famous tennis superstars. As of December 2025, the case is officially closed, but the controversy surrounding the shooter's release from prison continues to be a point of public discussion and private grief for the family.
The incident, which occurred on September 14, 2003, in Compton, California, was a devastating blow that brought the harsh realities of their childhood environment back into their lives, even as they dominated the global sports stage. Yetunde’s loss is a crucial, yet often unspoken, part of the Williams family narrative, highlighted by Serena Williams' own recent public reflections on the difficulty of forgiveness and the ongoing pain of the senseless act of violence.
Yetunde Price: Biography, Family, and The Tragic Night
Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price was much more than just the older sister of two global icons; she was a successful professional, a mother, and a cornerstone of the Williams-Price family. Born on August 9, 1972, she was the eldest of Oracene Price's three daughters from her first marriage to Yusef Rasheed.
Yetunde was a loving mother to three children and a successful entrepreneur, owning a hair salon and working as a registered nurse. She also served as a personal assistant and coordinator for her younger sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, traveling with them and helping manage their burgeoning careers.
- Full Name: Yetunde Hawanya Tara Price
- Born: August 9, 1972
- Died: September 14, 2003 (Age 31)
- Mother: Oracene Price
- Stepfather: Richard Williams
- Sisters: Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Lyndrea Price, and Isha Price
- Profession: Registered Nurse, Hair Salon Owner, Personal Assistant
- Children: Three
On the night of September 14, 2003, Yetunde was sitting in an SUV with her boyfriend, Jeffrey Johnson, near a known drug house in Compton, California, the city where the Williams sisters grew up. The vehicle was parked near the home of a childhood friend. The shooting was a tragic case of mistaken identity, a consequence of gang violence in the area.
A gunman, later identified as Robert Edward Maxfield, opened fire on their vehicle with an assault rifle, believing they were rivals. Yetunde was struck in the chest and pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Her death sent shockwaves through the close-knit family, leaving a void that has never been filled.
The Investigation and Conviction of Robert Edward Maxfield
The investigation into the drive-by shooting quickly led authorities to Robert Edward Maxfield, a known gang member at the time. Maxfield was arrested shortly after the incident. The legal proceedings were complex, involving multiple suspects and a mistrial for a second man initially accused.
Maxfield was ultimately convicted of voluntary manslaughter in April 2006. He was sentenced to 15 years in state prison for the killing. The conviction acknowledged that the shooting was not premeditated murder but a reckless and fatal act stemming from a heated, gang-related confrontation. The tragedy highlighted the pervasive issue of gun violence in communities like Compton.
During the sentencing phase, the Williams family, including Serena and Venus, attended the court proceedings. Serena Williams, though initially hesitant, addressed Maxfield directly in court, sharing the devastating impact of her sister’s death. This moment was a powerful display of the family's pain and their search for closure within the legal system.
The Controversial Parole and Serena Williams' Enduring Grief
The most recent and significant development in the case—and the one that continues to generate discussion—is the release of Yetunde Price's killer. Robert Edward Maxfield was released on parole in August 2018, after serving approximately 12 years of his 15-year sentence. His release was granted despite objections from the Williams family.
The news of Maxfield's parole deeply affected the Williams sisters, particularly Serena. She revealed that she learned of his release just before a major tennis match in 2018, which she subsequently lost. The emotional turmoil of this discovery was immense, underscoring the long-term psychological and emotional toll of the tragedy.
In a candid interview, Serena Williams spoke openly about her struggle with forgiveness, a topic that has become a central theme in her public reflections on the case. She stated that while she is a proponent of forgiveness, she has not yet reached that point with Maxfield. This honest admission provides a raw look into the personal cost of the crime.
“I think I’m a pretty good person, but I’m not there yet,” Serena said, discussing the difficulty of forgiving the man who took her sister's life. This sentiment resonates with countless families dealing with the aftermath of violent crime and the complexities of the penal system, especially parole decisions.
Yetunde Price's Lasting Legacy: The Yetunde Price Resource Center
Despite the pain, the Williams family has channeled their grief into a powerful and positive legacy for Yetunde. In her honor, they established the Yetunde Price Resource Center (YPRC) in Compton. The center is a direct response to the community violence that took Yetunde's life.
The Yetunde Price Resource Center provides a safe space and vital resources for individuals and families affected by violence and trauma in the Compton area. This initiative is a testament to the family's commitment to healing their community and ensuring that Yetunde's memory is associated with hope and support, rather than just tragedy. The YPRC offers mental health services, educational support, and other programs designed to break the cycle of violence.
The center’s work is a crucial part of the Williams family’s ongoing connection to their roots, honoring the memory of their beloved sister by actively working to prevent similar tragedies. It stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and community engagement.
The Williams Family Narrative in Pop Culture and Beyond
The story of Yetunde Price was brought to a wider global audience with the release of the 2021 biographical film, King Richard, which chronicles the early lives and careers of Venus and Serena under the guidance of their father, Richard Williams. The film includes a poignant portrayal of Yetunde, reminding viewers of her critical role in the family unit and the devastating impact of her death.
Serena Williams has admitted that seeing her late sister portrayed on screen was an incredibly emotional experience, stating she "cried the whole time." The film's inclusion of Yetunde's story ensures that her life, not just her death, is remembered. The ongoing success of the Williams sisters—their Grand Slam titles, their global recognition, and their business empires—is built upon a foundation of family love and shared struggle, a struggle that tragically includes the loss of their sister.
Yetunde Price’s murder remains a sobering reminder that success does not insulate anyone from the realities of the world. Her story is a powerful narrative about loss, justice, and the enduring strength of a family determined to honor her memory through advocacy and community support.
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