Selena killer Yolanda Saldívar denied parole
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Family of tejano singer Selena Quintanilla put roses atop casket at her funeral. Photo: Barbara Laing/Getty Images
Yolanda Saldívar, the San Antonio woman convicted of murdering Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla in 1995, was denied parole Thursday by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Why it matters: Selena's murder remains one of the highest-profile cases in Texas and music history, and even the consideration of parole for Saldívar had many fans outraged.
- The 30th anniversary of the singer's death is on Monday.
Flashback: Saldívar, 64, was sentenced to life in prison on Oct. 26, 1995, with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
- Saldívar shot Selena in a Corpus Christi hotel room after the 23-year-old singer confronted her over embezzlement allegations related to her fan club and boutiques.
- Saldívar has maintained that the shooting was accidental — a claim most recently revisited in the docuseries "Selena and Yolanda."
The latest: "After a thorough consideration of all available information" the parole panel denied Saldívar's parole, per a statement on the board's website.
- The reason was the "nature of offense," the board wrote, adding Saldívar "poses a continuing threat to public safety."
What they're saying: The Quintanilla family and Selena's husband, Chris Pérez, jointly said in a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday that they were grateful Saldívar was denied parole.
- "While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon," the family wrote.
- "Selena's legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit."
An attorney for Saldívar could not immediately be found. Saldívar has long maintained that she did not purposely shoot Selena.
What's next: Saldívar's case will be reevaluated in one to five years.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from Selena Quintanilla's family and with information about Saldívar's defense.