Yolanda Saldívar, responsible for the death of Selena Quintanilla in 1995, has filed a parole petition in Texas. The case resurfaces nearly three decades after the murder that interrupted the meteoric rise of the singer and marked the history of Tejano music.
+ Where Is Lucy Lawless Now: The Warrior from “Xena: Warrior Princess”
The Crime That Shocked the World
Saldívar, now 64 years old, was the president of Selena’s fan club and manager of her boutique line, Selena, Inc. On March 31, 1995, a confrontation between the two in a hotel room in Corpus Christi, Texas, resulted in the singer’s death. Selena, then just 23 years old, was seeking explanations for financial discrepancies committed by Saldívar.
+ VIDEO: Bus with Russian Tourists Collides at High Speed in Thailand
During the encounter, Yolanda pulled a Taurus Model 85 .38 revolver and shot Selena in the back as the singer tried to flee. Gravely injured, Selena managed to reach the hotel lobby, where she collapsed. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to blood loss and passed away at a local hospital.
Conviction and Parole Process
Yolanda Saldívar claimed in her defense that the shooting was accidental and that she had intended to take her own life. However, the jury rejected her version, and in October 1995, she was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
Now, as the parole eligibility date approaches on March 25, 2025, Saldívar is undergoing a petition review process, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice records.
Selena’s Legacy
Selena Quintanilla, known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” left behind an unparalleled legacy. Even after her death, her fame grew worldwide, with millions of fans celebrating her life, music, and cultural impact. The 1997 biographical film starring Jennifer Lopez and the recent Netflix series keep her memory alive for new generations.
Yolanda Saldívar’s parole request reignites the pain and memories of fans and family members who still mourn the untimely loss of an artist on the brink of becoming a global star.
Source: Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Selena Quintanilla case files. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
