Texas – Yolanda Saldívar, the woman convicted of killing American singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, has been denied parole, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
Saldívar, now 64 years old, was serving a life sentence for the 1995 murder of Selena. She was the president of Selena’s fan club and worked closely with the artist, but later shot Selena on March 31, 1995, after being confronted for embezzling money from the fan club and Selena’s boutique businesses.
Why Parole Was Denied
In its statement, the parole board explained its decision, saying the offense involved “brutality, violence, and conscious disregard for the victim’s life,” and that Saldívar still poses a potential threat to public safety.
Due to the nature of the crime, the board ruled that releasing her would not be appropriate at this time.
When Is the Next Parole Review?
While Saldívar’s parole was denied this time, the board has set her next parole review for March 2030, meaning she will remain behind bars at the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas, for at least another five years.
Statement from Selena’s Family
Following the announcement, Selena’s family and her husband, Chris Pérez, released a heartfelt statement through Selena’s official pages:
“Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar. While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon.”
The statement ended with a message of strength and remembrance:
“We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life — not the tragedy that took her from us — and we ask that all who cherish her do the same.”
Remembering Selena, 30 Years Later
This year marks 30 years since Selena’s death. March 31, 2025, will be the 30th anniversary of the tragedy that shook fans across the world.
Selena, known as the “Queen of Tejano Music“, was just 23 years old when her life was cut short. Her music career had just started gaining mainstream success.
Since her death, Selena’s legacy has remained strong:
- A biopic film starring Jennifer Lopez was released in 1997
- Her life has been portrayed in several documentaries and TV series
- In Texas, many murals, statues, and tributes have been created to honour her memory
Selena continues to inspire fans through her music, her story, and the joy she brought to millions.
The decision to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar comes as a moment of reflection and justice for Selena’s family and fans. While nothing can undo the loss, the ruling serves as a reminder that Selena’s voice and memory live on.
As her family said, it is her life, not her tragic death, that deserves to be celebrated.