Austin, Texas – Yolanda Saldívar, the woman convicted of murdering Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez in 1995, was denied early release from prison on Thursday. Saldívar, who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of the iconic singer, was seeking parole after serving 30 years behind bars. The Texas parole board, made up of three members, deemed Saldívar to still pose a threat to public safety and denied her request for early release.
Saldívar, who was the founder of Selena’s fan club and manager of the singer’s clothing boutiques, fatally shot Selena in a hotel room in Corpus Christi, Texas, in March 1995. The murder occurred after Saldívar was confronted by Selena’s family for allegedly embezzling funds from the fan club and clothing line. Saldívar then went to the hotel to retrieve business records after being fired by the singer’s family.
Selena, who was known as the Queen of Tejano, rose to fame in the early 1990s and won a Grammy before her untimely death. Her album “Dreaming of You” skyrocketed to the top of the charts following her passing. The tragic story of Selena’s life and career was later immortalized in a 1997 film, with Jennifer Lopez portraying the beloved singer.
Saldívar’s conviction for first-degree murder in 1995 led to her life sentence with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years. The parole board’s decision to deny Saldívar’s early release ensures that she will remain in prison until at least 2030 before having another opportunity for parole. The board cited her conscious disregard for the lives and safety of others as a key factor in their decision.
Despite Selena’s passing over two decades ago, her legacy as a groundbreaking Tejano singer and cultural icon continues to resonate with fans around the world. Her influence on Latina women in the music industry is still felt today, as she blazed a trail for future generations of artists.