Selena Quintanilla is a ‘Tex-Mex’ icon, regarded as the queen of the genre. Her life has been depicted multiple times through series and films. In December 2020, Netflix launched a bioseries about the singer that achieved success similar to the 1997 film.
However, discussing Selena Quintanilla also involves the stories surrounding her. Among many other narratives, one particularly shocked many of her fans: the death of Gloria de la Cruz, a California woman known locally as ‘Selena’s Double’.
Shortly after auditioning for the role of the singer in “Selena: The Movie,” Gloria de la Cruz was found dead, showing signs of having been tortured. What exactly happened to her?
The murder of Selena Quintanilla’s double
In 1995, just a few months after the cultural icon of the Chicano community was murdered, preparations began for her tribute film. Due to the interest from several production companies, Selena’s family, the Quintanillas, decided to take control of the film.
Directed by Gregory Nava for Warner Bros., “Selena: The Movie” began its preparations. Over 20,000 actresses auditioned for the role of ‘Corpus Christi’s favorite daughter’. This was not an easy task for the team involved. Before settling on the emerging Jennifer Lopez, the production considered other prominent figures such as Salma Hayek and Bibi Gaytán. However, at that time, a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Selena Quintanilla was already gaining attention: Gloria de la Cruz.
Gloria was a young woman hailing from California. Some reports indicate she was 18 years old at the time. Known as ‘Selena’s Double’, she performed under the stage name Leticia Miller. Although she passed the audition, De la Cruz was ultimately not chosen for the final role, despite her notable resemblance to the singer. Months later, her name would gain notoriety due to her brutal murder.
Her body was mysteriously discovered in a dumpster in the Wilshire district of Los Angeles. Gloria de la Cruz showed signs of having been tortured: she had been strangled and set on fire. This shocking event alarmed the Latin community at that time.
Gloria lived in the El Río community and was last seen attending a party in Oxnard with her friends on the night of April 21, 1996. The following day, her charred body was found in the Wilshire district. It took three long years for the perpetrator to be caught: Corrie Rabinson, who was identified as her partner and had a history of violence against women. He was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the crime.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Corrie Rabinson sexually assaulted Gloria de la Cruz in her grandmother’s garage in Oxnard; he then suffocated her and concealed her body in the trunk of his car, drove to Wilshire, and disposed of her body in a dumpster. He soaked the remains with gasoline and ignited them. De la Cruz’s body was so severely damaged that it took authorities over 15 days to identify her as the victim of the horrific crime.
Although he denied the crime, Rabinson was ultimately convicted based on circumstantial evidence, including his DNA and blood found at the crime scene.
Selena Quintanilla: The Tex-Mex Icon
Selena Quintanilla is more than just a name; she’s a cultural phenomenon known as the queen of ‘Tex-Mex’ music. Her life and career have inspired numerous films and series, most notably the Netflix bioseries that premiered in December 2020, which garnered significant attention and acclaim, reminiscent of the iconic 1997 film. However, Selena’s legacy is not only marked by her remarkable talent but also overshadowed by a series of tragic events, including the story of Gloria de la Cruz, a woman who came to be known as ‘Selena’s Double’.
The Netflix Series and Its Impact
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The Tragic Death of Gloria de la Cruz
Gloria de la Cruz, a young woman from California, was one of the many actresses who auditioned for the leading role in “Selena: The Movie.” Despite her striking resemblance to Selena, she was not cast for the part. Tragically, shortly after her audition, Gloria was found dead, leaving a profound impact on the community.
Details of the Incident
In April 1996, Gloria de la Cruz was reported missing after attending a party in Oxnard. Her body was discovered the following day, discarded in a dumpster in the Wilshire district of Los Angeles. The discovery shocked her friends, family, and the wider Latin community, who were still reeling from the recent murder of Selena Quintanilla herself in March 1995.
Gloria’s murder was particularly brutal; she showed signs of having been tortured. Investigators later revealed that she had been strangled and set on fire, generating outrage and sorrow throughout the community.
The Investigation
The search for Gloria’s killer was long and complicated. It took three years before authorities arrested Corrie Rabinson, who had a history of violence against women and was revealed to be Gloria’s partner at the time of her death. Rabinson was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes, based on circumstantial evidence, including DNA and blood found on the victim.
Gloria de la Cruz: A Star Who Shined Brightly
Gloria was only 18 years old when she auditioned for the movie to portray Selena Quintanilla. Known for her striking resemblance to the late singer, she had adopted the stage name Leticia Miller in hopes of carving out her own path in the entertainment industry. Her passion for performing and her ambition resonated with many aspiring artists in the Latin community.
The Audition Process
“Selena: The Movie,” directed by Gregory Nava, had an unprecedented turnout for auditions, with over 20,000 actresses vying for the role. The production team ultimately cast Jennifer Lopez, but Gloria de la Cruz’s audition had made a notable impression, though she was not selected for the final casting.
Selena’s Legacy and Impact on the Community
Selena Quintanilla’s influence extends far beyond her musical achievements. She became an emblem of hope and representation for the Chicano community. Her tragic death had a profound effect on her fans and those who followed her career closely.
Repercussions Post-Murder
The murder of Gloria de la Cruz, coupled with Selena’s own untimely death, galvanized the Latin community, sparking greater awareness of violence against women. It served as a somber reminder of the harsh realities faced by many in their quest for fame and recognition.
Remembering Both Selena and Gloria
As discussions around Selena Quintanilla’s legacy continue to flourish, it is essential to remember and honor Gloria de la Cruz’s story—a narrative overshadowed by tragedy yet interwoven with the fabric of Selena’s life and career. Both women, through their experiences and struggles, remind us of the importance of representation, resilience, and remembrance within the thriving Tex-Mex culture.
Benefits of Understanding Their Stories
- Cultural Awareness: Learning about the lives of Selena and Gloria fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by aspiring artists in the Latin community.
- Empathy: Reflecting on their stories encourages empathy for victims of violence and the impact it has on families and communities.
- Inspiration: Both women serve as inspirations for many who strive to break into the arts, showcasing the importance of perseverance.
Final Thoughts on a Powerful Legacy
The stories of Selena Quintanilla and Gloria de la Cruz remind us of the power of culture and the fragility of life. Their journeys—filled with passion, promise, and tragedy—continue to resonate with many, shaping the landscape of Latin music and representation today.
