Courtesy: TDCJ
Yolanda Saldivar, the woman convicted of murdering Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Perez, was denied parole on Thursday, nearly 30 years after the tragic killing that shook the music world. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles announced that Saldivar’s next parole review is scheduled for March 2030.
In a statement, the board said it voted to deny Saldivar’s parole “after a thorough consideration of all available information.” The panel cited the nature of the offense as the primary reason for denial, noting that Saldivar’s actions demonstrated a “conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others.”
“The record indicates that the instant offense has elements of brutality, violence, assaultive behavior, or conscious selection of the victim’s vulnerability, indicating a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others, such that the offender poses a continuing threat to public safety,” the board’s statement read.
Saldivar was convicted in October 1995 of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Selena on March 31, 1995, at a Corpus Christi motel. Selena was just 23 years old at the time and at the height of her career as the “Queen of Cumbia.”
Selena and Yolanda Saldivar | Courtesy photo
Saldivar, who was Selena’s fan club president and boutique manager, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Her parole eligibility date was set for March 30, 2025. The parole review process began in October 2024, approximately six months before her eligibility date.
According to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, the review process included the compilation of a detailed case file containing court documents, offense reports, support and protest statements, Saldivar’s criminal history, and her institutional adjustment. The file also included letters from Saldivar and statements from Selena’s family.
A panel of three parole board members was tasked with making the decision. A majority vote was required to either approve or deny parole.
After reviewing the case, the board determined that Saldivar remains a threat to public safety due to the violent nature of the crime and her targeting of Selena’s vulnerability.
Saldivar, now 64 years old, will remain incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Her next parole review is scheduled for March 2030, when the board will once again assess whether she poses a threat to public safety.
The Quintanilla family and Selena’s husband, Chris Perez, released a joint statement:
“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.
Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit. As her family and loved ones, we remain committed to preserving her memory and ensuring that her story is honored with the dignity and respect it deserves.
We thank Selena’s fans for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your love has been a source of strength and healing. 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.”
Selena’s death left a lasting impact on the music industry and the Tejano community. Fans continue to celebrate her legacy through her music, which remains influential decades after her death. Selena would have turned 54 years old on April 16, 2025.
This is a developing story. Tejano Nation will provide updates as new information becomes available.
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