Yolanda Saldívar, the woman convicted of murdering Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, has been denied early release from prison, the Texas parole board announced Thursday.
Saldívar, who was sentenced to life in prison for the 1995 killing, became eligible for parole this year after serving 30 years behind bars. However, the three-member board rejected her request, citing that she still poses a threat to public safety.
She will have another chance to seek parole in March 2030.
The Murder That Shook the Music World
Selena, known as the “Queen of Tejano”, was just 23 years old when she was shot and killed by Saldívar, the former president of her fan club and manager of her clothing boutiques.
The tragic incident occurred on March 31, 1995, in a Corpus Christi, Texas, hotel, following allegations that Saldívar had embezzled funds from Selena’s business ventures. When confronted by the singer’s family and subsequently fired, Saldívar lured Selena to a motel room under the pretense of returning business records. There, she shot Selena in the back as the singer attempted to flee.
Selena’s Lasting Legacy
Selena’s sudden death devastated fans worldwide, but her influence only grew stronger. Months after her passing, her album “Dreaming of You” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, making her the first Tejano artist to achieve such a milestone.
Her life and career were later immortalized in the 1997 biopic “Selena”, starring Jennifer Lopez in her breakout role.
Nearly three decades later, Selena remains an enduring symbol of Latina empowerment, cultural pride, and musical excellence.
