Williams sister shot dead

An older sister of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams was shot dead early today following a dispute in suburban Los Angeles, authorities said.

Yetunde Price, 31, had been with a man in a sport utility vehicle shortly after midnight (7am Irish time) and “somehow they had become involved in a confrontation with the local residents,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Pena.

Sheriff’s deputies searching for three people believed to be involved in the shooting surrounded a house in Compton at about 6am, (1pm Irish time) but it turned out to be empty.

No arrests had been made by midday (7pm Irish time).

Venus and Serena’s agent, Carlos Fleming, said the family was en route to California. Serena has been in Toronto to film an appearance on a cable TV drama series.

Price was shot in the chest. Deputies on patrol heard the gunshots and found Price, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The man who had been with her in the SUV wasn’t injured and was being interviewed by authorities, Pena said.

Neighbour Robert Miller, 49, said he heard about a dozen gunshots.

Price was one of five Williams sisters who spent their early years in Compton, a crime and poverty-ridden community where gang fighting has claimed many lives.

The family later moved to Florida. Their father and mother, Richard and Oracene, are divorced, and Price used her mother’s maiden name.

Price lived in Corona and worked as a personal assistant to her famous sisters. She was identified as a registered nurse and a business management graduate in the 2003 media guide for the WTA Tour.