Houston, Texas – After spending decades in prison for the fatal shooting of Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Perez in 1995, Yolanda Saldívar has been denied parole by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. The decision was made due to her continued assessed threat to public safety, as well as the conscious disregard for the lives of others displayed in the crime. Saldívar will remain serving a life sentence in Gatesville, Texas, with a chance for parole reconsideration in 2030.
Selena, a celebrated Mexican-American singer known simply as Selena to her fans, was tragically shot and killed at a Texas motel on March 31, 1995. Saldívar, who founded Selena’s fan club and managed her clothing boutiques, was terminated from her position earlier that year after money went missing. The murder took place shortly after the dismissal, leading to a high-profile trial that captured the nation’s attention.
After being found guilty of first-degree murder in October 1995, Saldívar was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Throughout her time in prison, she pursued education and filed civil rights complaints against the prison system. Despite several appeals, all attempts to overturn her conviction were unsuccessful.
Selena’s untimely death at the young age of 23 left a significant impact on the music industry and her countless fans. She was a trailblazer for Mexican-American artists in the mainstream music scene and was on the brink of transitioning into the English-language pop market. Her legacy continues to be celebrated through her iconic hits such as “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Como la Flor.”
The Queen of Tejano posthumously received a lifetime achievement award at the Grammys in 2021, solidifying her enduring influence on the music world. The release of her English-language album, “Dreaming of You,” after her passing, further showcased her versatile talent and solidified her status as a beloved cultural icon. Jennifer Lopez’s portrayal of Selena in a biopic in 1997 brought the singer’s story to a wider audience, highlighting her remarkable journey and lasting impact on music history.