Gang theory in Williams death

Yetunde (left) often accompanied Venus and Serena (right)

Police in California are investigating whether a gang feud or drug dispute led to the murder of the elder sister of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.

Yetunde Price, 31, died in hospital on Sunday after being shot in a confrontation at a house in Compton, a southern suburb of Los Angeles notorious for its gang violence, where the Williams family used to live.

A 24-year-old suspect, named as Aaron Michael Hammer, was arrested after the incident, and the police said they were also searching for up to four other possible suspects.

Police said motive for the killing was unclear, but gave a strong hint of their lines of inquiry.

Detectives were on patrol when they heard multiple gunshots Los Angeles police

"At this point we just don't know if this is [related to] gang or narcotics," said LA County Sheriff's Lt. Daniel Rosenberg.

"The house was troublesome to both the residents in the community and the deputies in Compton station."

The shooting happened about a mile (1.6 kilometres) from the tennis courts where Price's half-sisters first rose to prominence.

An assault rifle was found at the scene and neighbours said they heard up to 20 gunshots, reports said.

Grief

"We are extremely shocked, saddened and devastated by the shooting death of our beloved Yetunde," the Williams family said in a statement.

"Yetunde was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend. Our grief is overwhelming, and this is the saddest day of our lives.

"She was personal assistant, confidant, and adviser to her sisters, and her death leaves a void that can never be filled."

Price was a registered nurse and owned a beauty salon in nearby Lakewood. She was divorced, with three young children.

Gunfire

Price was in a white sports utility vehicle with a man when they became embroiled in a row with local residents front of a home on Greenleaf Boulevard which was known for gangs and drugs, police said.

Neighbours reported hearing at least six shots

"Detectives were on patrol when they heard multiple gunshots," said a police spokeswoman.

"They went to the scene and discovered that a man and a woman had been involved in an incident with local residents.

"This led to gunfire and the victim died of upper torso injuries just after midnight."

The police said that Price's companion - 28-year-old Rolland Wormley - was uninjured and drove her to a relative's home, from where he called for help.

Hammer - previously convicted for burglary and forging cheques - was arrested soon after the shooting. He was held in jail without bail.

Wormley - who also has a criminal record - was subsequently arrested for violating his parole and assault with a deadly weapons.

Both he and Hammer were expected to be arraigned on later on Tuesday.

Frequent companion

The eldest of five sisters, she regularly accompanied Venus, 23, and Serena, 21 around the world and was often seen at grand slam tournaments.

All five girls are the daughters of Oracene Williams, who was married to the late Yusef AK Rasheed. She later married Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena.

Venus and Serena have both been ranked world number one and have won 10 grand slam titles between them.