The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied parole to Yolanda Saldívar, the woman convicted of murdering the iconic Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. This decision was made on Thursday, March 27, 2025, just four days before the 30th anniversary of Selena's tragic death.
Saldívar, now 64, has been serving her life sentence in Texas. After serving the required 30 years, she was finally eligible to apply for parole. However, the parole board decided to deny her request, citing the violent nature of her crime.
In their statement, the board explained: "The file indicates that the offense in question presents elements of brutality, violence, aggressive behavior, or a conscious selection of the victim's vulnerability, demonstrating a conscious disregard for the life, safety, or property of others, such that the offender represents a continuing threat to public safety.".
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 Saldivar and set her next parole review for March 2030.
The reason provided by the panel for denial was the "Nature of the Offense": "The record indicates that the instant offense has elements of brutality, violence, assaultive behavior or conscious selection of 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 family reacts
Selena's family and Chris Pérez, her widower, expressed gratitude for the decision. Suzette Quintanilla, Selena's older sister, shared on Instagram: "Although nothing can bring Selena back to us, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to be on the side of the beautiful life that was taken from us too soon and from the millions of fans around the world."
Saldívar, who was the founder of Selena's fan club and manager of her boutiques, fatally shot the singer on March 31, 1995, at a Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi, Texas, after being confronted about embezzlement. She was found guilty in October 1995 and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
Selena's legacy remains strong three decades after her death. Known as the "Queen of Tejano," Selena broke barriers in a male-dominated industry and became the first female Tejano artist to win a Grammy. Her music and story continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans.
Saldívar will not be eligible to apply for parole again until March 2030. In the meantime, she will continue serving her sentence in the Texas prison where she has been for the past 30 years.
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