Killer of '90s Tejano Singer 'Selena' Has been Denied Parole After Spending 30 Years in Prison

Selena/Photo/Instagram

Yolanda Saldivar, the killer of the burgeoning '90s Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, was recently denied parole. Saldivar killed Selena on March 31, 1995, at a Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi, Texas, after shooting her in the back once.

Saldivar was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years for first-degree murder. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice denied her parole based on the "nature of the offense."

Selena's music had just successfully crossed over, and she was on the verge of superstardom at the time of her death—her demise flabbergasted her fans. Her most popular album, Dreaming Of You, was released posthumously in July 1995.

It's believed that Saldívar developed an obsession with the 23-year-old songstress while working as the president of the 'Selena' fan club and managing the singer's clothing boutiques. The singer's team had concerns that Saldivar was embezzling money, and the pair met to discuss business concerns and records at the hotel on the day of her death.

Yolanda Saldivar/Photo/Oxygen

There was reportedly a ten-hour standoff with police and Saldivar after the shooting, where she locked herself in her vehicle, threatening suicide, telling law enforcement that she didn't mean to kill Selena.

Saldivar's sincerity about the crime was always questionable to the Quintanilla family. In 2024, she participated in the documentary Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them and other interviews and projects over the years.

The family is happy with the parole board's decision. They gave the following statement on social media:

Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar.

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.

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.

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.

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