A board of Pardons and Parole has denied Yolanda Saldívar parole three decades after her violent murder of Selena Quintanilla-Perez. The board cited the nature of the murder as its justification. Saldívar shot and killed the Tejano music legend after being accused of financial dishonesty. Selena was just 23 at the time of the incident and was a rising fame worldwide. Her family reacted to the news of Yolanda Saldívar being denied justice and thanked the board for delivering justice.
Yolanda Saldívar Denied Parole
Yolanda Saldívar has no hope of freedom for another five years after the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole denied her parole application. The board ruled against her release a few days before the singer’s 30th death anniversary, on March 27, 2025. The board claimed they denied her due to the brutality of the crime and Saldívar’s lack of remorse. They expressed fear that she could be dangerous to society.
The statement read, “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.” It continued, “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.”
Selena’s Family Reacts to Yolanda Saldívar’s Parole Denial
After the Texas board denied Yolanda Saldívar’s parole, the late singer’s family took to social media to express their gratitude. They posted the statement on Selena’s official Instagram account.
It read, “Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldivar. “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.” The 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.”
“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,” they continued. Selena’s family then thanked the singer’s fans for supporting them through the years, claiming it has been “a source of strength and healing.” They asked fans to continue celebrating the departed icon’s life just as they would.
Selena’s Murder
Selena Quintanilla-Perez died on March 31, 1995, after Yolanda Saldívar fatally shot her in the back. Saldívar, president of the singer’s fan club, managed her boutique. She was fired after Selena’s family accused her of embezzlement. On the day of her death, Selena had gone to a Corpus Christi motel to retrieve some financial documents. However, an altercation ensued, and Yolanda Saldívar fired a .38-caliber revolver at Selena’s back. The singer collapsed in the lobby and died shortly after getting to the hospital.
However, she identified her killer before she died. Meanwhile, Yolanda Saldívar refused to surrender for 10 hours after police arrived. She claimed the shooting was an accident, but there was enough evidence against her. She was sentenced in October 1995 with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Before her death, Selena had won a Grammy for her album Live! She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a biopic starring Jennifer Lopez, and a Netflix series.
Selena Quintanilla-Perez lives on in the hearts of fans and loved ones three decades after Yolanda Saldívar murdered her. Her contributions to the music industry and the barriers she broke also perpetuate her legacy. She may be dead, but her works live on.
#Clique, what do you think about the decision to deny Yolanda Saldívar parole? Let us know in the comments.
