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Yolanda Saldívar, convicted of murdering Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Perez, was denied parole on Thursday, just days before the 30th anniversary of the singer’s death. Saldívar, 64, is serving a life sentence for the 1995 shooting at a Corpus Christi hotel.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice cited the violent nature of the crime and the ongoing threat to public safety as reasons for the denial. Saldívar will be eligible for parole again in 2030.
The former district attorney who prosecuted the case expressed serious concerns about Saldívar’s potential release, stating his belief that she remains a danger to the public. While Saldívar’s family has argued for her release, claiming Selena initiated the fatal confrontation, fans of the beloved singer have vehemently opposed any possibility of parole. Saldívar remains in protective custody due to ongoing threats she has received while incarcerated.
Selena Quintanilla-Perez, known as the “Queen of Tejano,” achieved remarkable success blending traditional Mexican music with contemporary pop. Her tragic death at 23 cut short a promising career that included a Grammy win and a burgeoning crossover into English-language music. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and fans alike, and she was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017, drawing a record-breaking crowd.