Selena’s Killer Yolanda Saldívar Denied Parole 30 Years After Tragic Murder

Three decades after the shocking murder of Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Perez, the woman responsible for her death, Yolanda Saldívar, has been denied parole.

On March 27, 2025, just days before the 30th anniversary of Selena’s passing, the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole ruled against Saldívar's release, citing the violent nature of the crime.

Following the Board's decision, Selena's family released a statement expressing gratitude.

On Thursday, the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole announced that Yolanda Saldívar, the woman convicted of murdering Selena, was denied parole.

The board cited the brutality of the crime and the ongoing threat Saldívar could pose to society.

"After a thorough consideration of all available information, which included any confidential interviews conducted, it was the parole panel's determination to deny parole to Yolanda Saldívar and set her next parole review for March 2030," the statement read.

The board emphasized that the nature of the crime played a crucial role in their decision.

"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 statement continued.

This decision means that Saldívar, who was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years, will not have another chance at freedom until 2030.

After news of the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole's decision made headlines, Selena's family released a statement via her official Instagram account.

"Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldivar," the statement began.

The family continued, "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 family said her legacy "is one of love, music, and inspiration," adding that she "lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit."

They continued, "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."

The statement concluded, "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 Quintanilla-Perez, known as the "Queen of Tejano Music," was a rising star in the music industry when her life was tragically cut short.

On March 31, 1995, she was fatally shot by Yolanda Saldívar, the former president of her fan club, in a Corpus Christi motel.

Saldívar, a former nurse, had been managing Selena's boutique, Selena Etc., but was fired after the singer's family accused her of embezzling money.

Selena went to the Days Inn motel to retrieve financial documents from Saldívar when a confrontation ensued.

During the argument, Saldívar pulled out a .38-caliber revolver and shot Selena in the back. The wounded singer ran towards the motel lobby, where she collapsed. Before losing consciousness, she identified Saldívar as the shooter.

Selena was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

After the shooting, Saldívar engaged in a tense 10-hour standoff with police, during which she repeatedly claimed that the shooting was an accident.

"I didn’t mean to do it. I didn't mean to kill anybody," she told authorities.

However, the evidence against her was overwhelming. During the trial, prosecutors argued that Saldívar deliberately killed Selena after being confronted about financial discrepancies.

It took the jury less than three hours to find her guilty of first-degree murder. In October 1995, she was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

The court's ruling ensured that she would remain incarcerated for decades, a decision that many Selena fans believed was justice served.

Despite her tragic death at just 23 years old, Selena's impact on music and culture remains profound.

She was a trailblazer in Tejano music, breaking barriers for Latin artists and paving the way for future generations.

Maria Garcia, host of the podcast "Anything for Selena," highlighted the singer's influence, stating, "Selena was a once-in-a-generation artist. She revolutionized music, fashion, and body politics in the U.S."

Selena's career was at its peak when she was murdered. Her Grammy-winning album "Live!" and the chart-topping "Amor Prohibido" solidified her as a Tejano music superstar. She was on the verge of an English-language crossover, with "Dreaming of You" posthumously becoming a massive success.

Her legacy has been honored through numerous tributes, including a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, a Netflix series, and a biopic starring Jennifer Lopez. The singer's cultural significance continues to resonate with fans worldwide.