Yolanda Saldívar is serving a life sentence for the murder of beloved Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Yolanda Saldívar fatally shot Selena on March 31, 1995, at a Corpus Christi motel after the singer confronted her about embezzling money from her fan club and boutiques. Also at the time, Saldívar was the president of Selena’s fan club and a close associate.

 The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles statement stated that Saldívar’s chance of parole was slim because of the brutal and violent nature of the crime, that Saldívar’s actions showed “a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others,” and that she continues to pose a threat to public safety. As a result, Saldívar’s request for parole was denied. Now her following parole review is scheduled for March 2030.

Selena’s family, including her husband, Chris Pérez, responded publicly on Selena’s official pages. Expressing gratitude for the board’s decision, noting that while it cannot undo the tragedy, it affirms that justice remains in place for Selena’s memory. “We are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar,” the Selena family wrote. This decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and millions of fans around the world far too soon.

 March 31, 2025, was the 30th anniversary of Selena Quintanilla. The family has urged fans to honor her life and legacy rather than focus on the tragedy. As Selena’s legacy endures through films, documentaries, murals, and tributes across Texas and beyond.