Corpus Christi, Texas — Yolanda Saldívar, wey don spend 30 years for prison for di killing of Selena Quintanilla, go wait another five years before she fit ask for parole again. Dis decision come after di Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles deny her request for freedom.
Dis year mark 30 years since Selena, di beloved “Reina del Tex-Mex”, die at age 23. Saldívar, wey be di former president of Selena’s fan club and manager for her boutiques, shoot di singer on March 31, 1995, for inside Days Inn motel after dem get shoki confrontentation. Selena call Saldívar to confront her about money wey she don steal from di businesses.
Di board say dem refuse Saldívar’s request based on di violent nature of her crime and concerns about her being a danger to di public. Di board’s review included her behavior for prison and participation for rehabilitation programs but conclude say all dis no fit make am eligible for freedom.
In January 2025, Saldívar put forward her first application for parole, but di board say say she demonstrate no remorse and di public opposition to her release too strong. As a result, she no go fit apply for another parole review until March 2030.
Despite di controversies surrounding her case, Selena Quintanilla remains a strong force in Latin music. Her posthumous album, Dreaming of You, topped di Billboard 200, and her life story inspire many, especially di new generation of artists. Di movie ‘Selena’, wey feature Jennifer Lopez, showcase her impact on di music industry.
Selena’s family and fans dey fiercely protect her legacy, emphasizing di importance of keeping her memory alive. Di Quintanillas and Chris Pérez, Selena’s widower, release emotional statements appreciating di board’s decision to deny Saldívar’s release, saying, “Nothing can bring Selena back, but dis decision show say justice still dey for di beautiful life wey we lose.”
Saldívar, wey now be 64 years old, remain under supervision for Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit for maximum-security prison. Her case remain one of di most high-profile murders in di Latino community, and di board’s decision to keep her in prison set a precedent for future hearings.
According to parole hearing experts, di likelihood of someone getting released on first application for parole, especially in homicide cases, dey low. Di panel of three must reach a majority decision to grant or deny parole, and for Saldívar’s case, di vibes no show say she fit get her way.
Though Saldívar fit apply again in di future, her history of failed appeals suggest say di law go not likely favor her. Since 1999, several attempts to overturn her conviction don hit rock. For now, she go dey in Gatesville prison, while Selena’s family and fans continue to celebrate her richness of music and culture.
