Selena's Killer, Yolanda Saldivar, Denied Parole Again
The woman convicted of murdering beloved Tejano music star Selena 30 years ago, Yolanda Saldivar, was denied parole on Thursday. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles stated that the parole was denied due to the severity of her crime.
Saldivar, now 64, shot Selena Quintanilla-Perez, known simply as Selena, at a Days Inn hotel in Corpus Christi on March 31, 1995. She is currently serving a life sentence for the crime.
Why Parole Was Denied
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles released a statement explaining that after a thorough review, they decided to deny Saldivar's parole and scheduled her next review for March 2030. The reason given was the nature of the offense, noting that it was particularly violent and brutal. The panel emphasized that Saldivar’s actions showed a disregard for the victim’s life and safety, labeling her a continued threat to public safety.
What Happens Next
Under Texas law, inmates can be eligible for parole once they’ve served a required portion of their sentence. The parole process starts six months before they become eligible, with officials notifying victims and trial participants for input. In Saldivar’s case, her parole file was reviewed by a panel of parole officers, and they ultimately decided to deny her release.
Saldivar will be eligible for another parole review in March 2030.
The Tragic Event
Selena was tragically murdered in March 1995 after confronting Saldivar about missing money from business accounts. Saldivar had been managing Selena’s fan club and clothing stores but was removed from her position shortly before the shooting. As Selena was leaving their meeting, Saldivar shot her in the back. The singer managed to reach the hotel lobby, where she told staff that Saldivar had shot her before collapsing. Selena passed away later that afternoon at the age of 23.
Saldivar’s Attempts to Appeal
Saldivar has tried multiple times to appeal her conviction. In 1998, her attorneys argued errors during her trial, including the exclusion of jurors based on race and the admission of prejudicial evidence. A later appeal in 2019 claimed that the prosecution had withheld key evidence, including white shoes and a black baseball cap that might have helped her case, but this too was unsuccessful.
Selena’s Legacy
Despite the tragedy, Selena’s influence continues to shine. In 1994, she won a Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album for Live, becoming the first female Tejano artist to win in this category. Her album Amor Prohibido produced several hit songs, including "Amor Prohibido" and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom." After her death, her English-language album Dreaming of You topped the Billboard 200, and her songs "I Could Fall in Love" and "Dreaming of You" were major hits.
Though Saldivar has been denied parole, Selena's legacy remains strong, and her music continues to inspire millions.
