Selena’s Killer Yolanda Saldívar Denied Parole, Will Not Be Released

Selena Quintanilla‘s killer will not be freed anytime soon. On Thursday, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles announced that Yolanda Saldívar, who killed Selena in 1995, was denied parole after becoming eligible for review this month.

“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 Saldivar and set her next parole review for March 2030,” the statement read.

The panel — comprising three people — cited the “nature of the offense” as the reason for denying Saldívar’s early release. “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,” the statement added.

In a statement to Rolling Stone, Selena’s family and partner Chris Pérez shared their gratitude for the decision. “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,” they wrote. “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.”

Saldívar’s eligibility date for parole review was March 30, 2025, marking 30 years of the killing of Selena. According to the board, Saldívar’s case included offense reports, court documents, statements provided by the offender, and other information.

Saldívar was convicted of murdering Selena after shooting the singer once in the back in a Corpus Christi hotel room on March 31, 1995. Saldívar was working as both the president of Selena’s fan club and as the manager of her line of clothing boutiques, Selena, Etc. The shooting occurred after Selena confronted Saldívar with claims that she’d been embezzling money from Selena’s business ventures. 

Saldívar has maintained that she shot Selena by accident and that she planned to use the gun on herself. In a recent interview for Selena and Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them, which came out last year, Saldívar disputed the embezzlement claims. She argued instead that she was ready to stop working for Selena and that the singer was trying to convince her to stay during their confrontation. 

This article was updated on March 27 at 7:50 p.m. ET to include a statement from Selena’s family and partner Chris Pérez.