A Texas parole panel has denied parole to Yolanda Saldívar, the woman who killed Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla Pérez in 1995. The decision marks a setback for Saldívar, who is serving a life sentence at a Texas prison.
Saldívar’s case had gone into review approximately six months before she was to first become eligible for parole this Sunday. However, the panel cited the violent nature of the killing as the reason for its denial.
Selena, just 23 years old at the time of her death, was a trailblazing Mexican American singer who made it big in popular music. She won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, and broke barriers with her music that combined polka, country, and jazz styles.
Saldívar, the founder of Selena’s fan club, had a history of violence against the singer. After being fired from her job as a registered nurse due to embezzlement allegations, Saldívar confronted Selena at a motel in Corpus Christi, where she fatally shot her. The incident shocked fans and sparked a cult-like following for the beloved artist.
A jury convicted Saldívar of first-degree murder in 1995, and she has been serving life without parole since then. Her case had drawn attention from fans across the country due to its tragic circumstances and Selena’s lasting impact on music and popular culture.
The decision by the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole comes just weeks before the 30th anniversary of Selena’s death. While Saldívar is disappointed, her family expressed gratitude that the board denied parole for the killer.
“It’s a tough day, but we’re grateful that justice continues to stand,” said a statement from Selena’s family on Facebook and Instagram. “While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice will always be served for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon.”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/us/selena-murder-yolanda-saldivar-parole.html