CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, March 28, 2025 — Yolanda Saldívar, the woman convicted of murdering Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in 1995, has been denied parole by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. The decision comes just days before the 30th anniversary of Selena’s death.
Background
Saldívar, now 64, was serving as the president of Selena’s fan club and manager of her boutiques when she was found to have embezzled over $30,000. On March 31, 1995, during a confrontation over these allegations at a motel in Corpus Christi, Saldívar fatally shot Selena, who was 23 at the time. In October 1995, Saldívar was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
Parole Decision
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles cited the brutal nature of the offense and Saldívar’s continued threat to public safety as reasons for denying her parole. Her next parole review is scheduled for March 2030.
Family’s Response
The Quintanilla family expressed gratitude for the board’s decision, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to preserving Selena’s legacy. They continue to honor her memory through various initiatives and by supporting aspiring artists in the music industry.
Selena’s Legacy
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez remains a beloved figure in the music world, known for her significant contributions to Tejano music and her crossover into mainstream pop. Her life and career have been celebrated in films, documentaries, and a dedicated museum in Corpus Christi, attracting fans worldwide.
