Why was Selena Quintanilla's killer denied parole? Yolanda Saldívar to remain in prison until 2030

Yolanda Saldívar, the killer of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, will remain in prison according to a recent statement from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. The board has delayed Saldívar's parole because her crime was cruel and violent, indicating that she disregards others' safety and 'poses a continuing threat to public safety.' Her next parole review is set for March 2030.

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, widely known as the Queen of Tejano Music, was shot by Yolanda Saldívar on March 31, 1995, in Room 158 of the Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi, Texas. The bullet struck her back and severed an artery. Although doctors attempted to save her, she sadly died from blood loss and heart failure. At the time of her death, Selena was 23 years old, while Yolanda was 34 years old.

Yolanda Saldívar's trial for Selena's murder took place in Houston, Texas, in October 1995. Saldívar claimed it was an accident; however, the jury found her guilty of murder. She was sentenced to life in prison, with a chance of parole in 2025.

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles calls Yolanda Saldívar a continuous threat to public safety

Six months before Yolanda Saldívar's parole eligibility, the Texas parole team began her review and collected her files. These files include court documents, crime details, and other statements submitted to the parole panels for consideration.

The authority released a statement on March 27,

"After a thorough consideration of all available information, which included any confidential interviews conducted, it was the parole panels determination to deny parole to Yolanda Saldivar and set her next parole review for March 2030."

The statement further continues,

"The reason provided by the panel for denial was the Nature of the Offense: The record indicates that the instant offense has elements of brutality, violence, assaultive behavior or conscious selection of victim’s vulnerability indicating a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others, such that the offender poses a continuing threat to public safety."

Selena's official Instagram page, approved by her family, updated their news on March 27. In the post, they said,

"Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar. 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."

They further thanked Selena's fans by adding,

"We thank Selena’s fans for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your love has been a source of strength and healing. We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life - not the tragedy that took her from us — and we ask that all who cherish her do the same."

Yolanda Saldívar, now 64, will remain incarcerated at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Texas. She will be 69 when her next parole review occurs in March 2030.

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