Yolanda Saldívar tried to seek her early release as she reached 30 years of her life sentence but will remain behind bars
Selena Quintailla’s family is thankful to see the Tejano icon’s murderer stay behind bars. In a statement to Rolling Stone Thursday, Selena’s family and partner Chris Pérez shared their gratitude for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles’ decision to deny Yolanda Saldívar’s parole request.
“Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar,” the statement read. “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.”
Saldivar — who was convicted of murdering Selena in a Corpus Christi hotel room on March 31, 1995 — is serving a life sentence and may request another parole review in 2030. The panel — comprising three people — cited the “nature of the offense” as the reason for denying Saldívar’s early release. Saldívar has maintained that she shot Selena by accident and that she planned to use the gun on herself.
“Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration,” Selena’s loved ones wrote in their statement. “She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit. As her family and loved ones, we remain committed to preserving her memory and ensuring that her story is honored with the dignity and respect it deserves.”
The statement, also shared by Selena’s sister Suzette on Instagram, concluded by thanking Selena’s fans for being a “source of strength and healing” through the last 30 years. “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,” the statement read.
