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Selena (April 16, 1971 March 31, 1995) was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and fashion designer. Called the Queen of Tejano music, her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century. She also ranks among the most influential Latin artists of all time and is credited for catapulting a music genre into the mainstream market. In 1994, Selena and her family appointed Yolanda Saldívar as manager of Selena's boutiques. In December 1994, the boutiques began to suffer after the number of staff for both stores had decreased. By January 1995, Selena's fashion designer Martin Gomez, her cousin Debra Ramirez, and clients expressed their concerns over Saldívar's behavior and management skills. It was later discovered that Saldívar had embezzled more than $30,000 via forged checks from both the fan club and the boutiques. In the days before Selena's death, Saldívar delayed handing over the bank statements and financial records by saying she had been physically and sexually assaulted in Mexico. Selena later met with Saldívar in her hotel room at the Days Inn in Corpus Christi. At the hotel, Selena demanded the financial papers. At 11:48 a.m., Saldívar got a gun from her purse and pointed it at Selena. As Selena attempted to flee, Saldívar shot her once on the right lower shoulder, severing an artery and causing a severe loss of blood. Critically wounded, Selena ran towards the lobby, leaving a long trail of blood. She collapsed on the floor as the clerk called the emergency services. Before collapsing, Selena named Saldívar as her assailant and gave the number of the room where she had been shot. Meanwhile, Saldívar attempted to leave in her pickup truck. She was, however, spotted by a responding police cruiser.[139] She surrendered after a nearly nine-and-a-half-hour standoff wi