Yolanda Saldívar Denied Parole After 30 Years for Killing Selena Quintanilla
Saldívar’s request for parole is denied due to the violent nature of her crime, with a new review scheduled for 2030.
Yolanda Saldívar, who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of the celebrated Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, was denied her request for parole on March 27, 2025. Saldívar, now 63 years old, was convicted 30 years ago for the homicide which took place on March 31, 1995.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles reviewed Saldívar’s petition for parole, her first since her sentencing.
The board cited the ‘brutal and violent nature’ of the crime, emphasizing that she still poses a threat to public safety.
Consequently, she will not be released from the Mountain View Unit, a women’s prison located in Gatesville, Texas.
Saldívar had argued that the shooting was accidental and expressed feelings of remorse over the incident that claimed the life of the so-called 'Queen of Tejano music.' The murder occurred after Selena confronted Saldívar, who was head of her fan club, over allegations of embezzlement.
It was during this confrontation that Saldívar shot Selena in the back as she attempted to leave with concerns about the missing funds being confirmed in the trial.
The murder of Selena sparked widespread outrage and grief across the globe, with millions mourning the loss of the singer, who was regarded as an icon in the Latin music industry.
Following the denial of her parole request, Saldívar remains eligible for another review in March 2030. Fans of Selena expressed their support for the board’s decision on various social media platforms.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles reviewed Saldívar’s petition for parole, her first since her sentencing.
The board cited the ‘brutal and violent nature’ of the crime, emphasizing that she still poses a threat to public safety.
Consequently, she will not be released from the Mountain View Unit, a women’s prison located in Gatesville, Texas.
Saldívar had argued that the shooting was accidental and expressed feelings of remorse over the incident that claimed the life of the so-called 'Queen of Tejano music.' The murder occurred after Selena confronted Saldívar, who was head of her fan club, over allegations of embezzlement.
It was during this confrontation that Saldívar shot Selena in the back as she attempted to leave with concerns about the missing funds being confirmed in the trial.
The murder of Selena sparked widespread outrage and grief across the globe, with millions mourning the loss of the singer, who was regarded as an icon in the Latin music industry.
Following the denial of her parole request, Saldívar remains eligible for another review in March 2030. Fans of Selena expressed their support for the board’s decision on various social media platforms.
