A board in Texas has denied parole for Yolanda Saldívar, the 64 year-old woman who killed Selena Quintanilla-Perez on March 31 in 1995. Just days away from the 30th anniversary of Quintanilla’s death, Saldívar, who fatally shot the Mexican-American music pioneer after a confrontation in a motel in Corpus Christi, was denied parole due to the violent nature of the killing.
She will have the opportunity for another parole review in March of 2030, confirmed the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole on Thursday.
“The record indicates that the instant offense has elements of brutality, violence, assaultive behavior 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.”
Saldívar was the president of Selena‘s fan club and the manager of her line of boutiques, Selena, Inc., when she shot and killed the singer, was 23 at the time of her death. Saldívar was charged with first-degree murder, and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
Selena continues to impact modern-day pop culture, and most recently was at the center of the Isabel Castro-directed documentary, “Selena Y Los Dinos,” which premiered at Sundance and SXSW.
“‘Selena y Los Dinos’ delves into the life and enduring impact of Selena Quintanilla, the Queen of Tejano music,” according to the film’s official synopsis. “Through never-before-seen archival footage, personal photographs, and heartfelt interviews, the film paints a vivid portrait of Selena’s journey from a young girl in Corpus Christi to an iconic superstar whose voice continues to resonate across generations. Told through the eyes of her devoted family and bandmates, this film reveals the relentless efforts they have made to honor her memory and preserve her legacy. ‘Selena y Los Dinos’ not only celebrates her remarkable talent but also highlights the resilience and love of a family determined to ensure that Selena’s light never fades.”
