Los Angeles police have arrested a suspect in the shooting death of Yetunde Price, the eldest sister of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. Aaron Michael Hammer, 24, was being held without bail after his arrest late on Sunday.
Price, 31, was shot on Sunday in the crime-ridden Compton suburb of Los Angeles, where the tennis stars grew up. Police also arrested the man who was with Price in a white sports utility vehicle at the time of the incident, 28-year-old Rolland Wormley, for violating parole.
Price and a male companion had been in a white sports utility vehicle when they became "involved in a confrontation with some local residents," according to police. "One of the local residents pulled a weapon out and began to shoot, and the female victim was shot in the upper torso and transported to hospital where she died," a police statement added.
Authorities said the investigation into the crime was continuing. Venus and Serena Williams are the youngest of five daughters raised by Richard Williams and Oracene Price, who are now divorced. "We are extremely shocked, saddened and devastated by the shooting death of our beloved Yetunde," a statement issued by the family through their publicist said. "Yetunde was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend."
Yetunde Price, the eldest, was herself a divorced mother of three: 5-year-old Jair, 9-year-old Justus and 11-year-old Jeffrey. A registered nurse who cared for private patients in their homes, Price also acted as personal assistant for her famous little sisters and was often seen courtside supporting them at tournaments. She lived in Corona, California, and had recently opened a salon in Lakewood, California.
"As the oldest sibling and daughter, it was Yetunde who provided the stability to our family," the family statement said. "She was our nucleus and our rock. She was personal assistant, confidant, and adviser to her sisters, and her death leaves a void that can never be filled. "As a doting mother, Yetunde placed her children, Jair, Justus and Jeffrey above all else, and no matter what her schedule, they were her number one priority. Our grief is overwhelming and this is the saddest day of our lives. "We ask that you please respect our peace and privacy at this very difficult time."
Carlos Fleming, agent for Venus and Serena Williams, said family members were headed to Los Angeles from various places. Serena had been in Toronto filming a television show. While the sisters spent their early years in Los Angeles, the family later moved to Florida where Venus and Serena pursued their tennis careers.
Serena is currently ranked third in the world while Venus is the world number six. Between them they have won nine of the last 14 Grand Slam titles, but both missed the recently concluded US Open - Serena recovering from knee surgery and Venus from a torn abdominal muscle. Their other sisters are Isha, who is a lawyer and singer, and Lyndrea, an actress, singer and stylist.
Filed by James Boylan
