Selena Quintanilla's family ‘grateful’ for denying Yolanda Saldívar's parole
ByTuhin Das Mahapatra
Mar 28, 2025 08:08 AM IST
Selena Quintanilla's family expressed gratitude after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied parole to the killer, Yolanda Saldívar.
Family of Selena Quintanilla and partner, Chris Pérez, were “grateful” for the decision made not to grant parole to the woman who killed Selena.
Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla performs at the Astrodome during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Feb. 26, 1995. (John Everett/Houston Chronicle via AP)(AP)
Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla performs at the Astrodome during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Feb. 26, 1995. (John Everett/Houston Chronicle via AP)(AP)
Yolanda Saldívar, the former fan club president convicted of murdering the beloved singer, was announced by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles on March 27, nearly three decades later, that she will remain in prison for at least five more years.
“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,” the board said in an official statement.
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“The reason provided by the panel for denial was the Nature of the Offense: The record indicates that the instant offence has elements of brutality, violence, assaultive behaviour 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.”
‘Nothing can bring Selena back’ but ‘justice continues to stand’
“Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar,” her widower, Chris Pérez, wrote in an Instagram post.
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A post shared by Chris Perez Official Page (@chrispereznow)
“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.”
“Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit,” the post read further.
“As her family and loved ones, we remain committed to preserving her memory and ensuring that her story is honoured with the dignity and respect it deserves. We thank Selena’s fans for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your love has been a source of strength and healing. We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life – not the tragedy that took her from us – and we ask that all who cherish her do the same.”
What happened on March 31, 1995
Saldívar had been a trusted big hand in Selena’s inner circle and the manager of her fan club and boutique businesses. But in early 1995, she was fired for allegedly embezzling Selena’s money from her fashion business.
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On March 31 of that year, Selena agreed to meet Saldívar outside a Corpus Christi motel in order to collect financial records. Saldívar instead pulled out a .38 calibre revolver and fired once in the back of the 23-year-old singer. Selena collapsed and was able to identify her assailant in the hotel lobby before passing out. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, the injuries were too much for her to overcome.
Saldívar was convicted of first-degree murder later that year and sentenced to life in prison.
Singer
Murder
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