Selena’s Killer Denied Parole—Yolanda Saldívar Stays in Prison

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been nearly 30 years since the tragic death of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla. Selena meant  a lot to El Pasoans so when the news broke that her killer, Yolanda Saldiar, could possibly be let go, it shocked a lot of locals! Well, shocked fans can now put their minds to ease cause that won’t be happening!

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles officially shut down Saldívar’s request for release, citing that she remains a risk to public safety. Translation? She’s not walking free anytime soon.

The three-person panel made it clear that the nature of the crime showed “a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others.” Saldívar will get another shot at parole in 2030—but don’t hold your breath.

Selena was on the verge of taking over the English-language pop market when she was tragically killed on March 31, 1995

Saldívar, who once ran Selena’s fan club and boutique business, was fired after financial discrepancies surfaced. Just weeks later, she lured the singer to a Corpus Christi motel under false pretenses and shot her in the back with a .38-caliber revolver. Selena managed to name her killer before collapsing in the motel lobby. She was just 23 years old.

Saldívar was sentenced to life in prison in 1995, and despite multiple appeals and complaints about her treatment behind bars, she’s staying put.

Fans of Selena continue to honor her legacy, ensuring that the Queen of Tejano’s star shines brighter than ever—even if her killer remains in the shadows.