Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was shot and killed in 1995 by her friend and former employee Yolanda Saldívar at a Corpus Christi hotel. The Texas Board of Pardons and Parole has denied Saldívar parole for the first time, citing elements of brutality and violence in the murder.
Saldívar had been serving a life sentence since 1995. However, after 30 years, she became eligible for parole. The board stated that it was their decision to deny parole and set her next review date for March 2030.
At the time of her death, Selena’s fame was skyrocketing. She was a successful crossover artist known for her Tejano music style, which blended modern and traditional sounds. Her hits included “Amor Prohibido” and “No Me Queda Más,” with many fans comparing her to pop provocateur Madonna.
Saldívar had been involved in Selena’s fan club and worked at some of the singer’s boutiques. She was accused of embezzling from these businesses, leading to a confrontation where Selena demanded financial papers.
Selena’s murder shocked the Hispanic community, similar to the impact of Kurt Cobain’s 1994 death on rock fans and Tupac Shakur’s killing in 1996 on rap fans. Her legacy has only grown since her death, with Jennifer Lopez starring in the 1997 biopic “Selena.”
For many fans, including Mexican American singer Stephanie Bergara, Selena was a role model who looked like she could be part of their own families. Bergara, who fronts a popular Texas-based tribute band, says that watching Selena on TV and hearing her music had a profound impact on her life.
Source: https://www.al.com/life/2025/03/iconic-singers-killer-denied-parole-for-1995-murder.html