Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s Family Applauds Yolanda Saldívar’s Parole Denial: ‘We Are Grateful’

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s family commended the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles’ decision Thursday to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar, the woman who was convicted of fatally shooting the legendary Tejano singer in 1995.

“Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny paroles for Yolanda Salidívar,” Quintanilla-Pérez’s family and widower Chris Perez wrote in a statement on Thursday. “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 too soon.”

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The message from the Grammy award-winning songstress’ family continued, spotlighting Quintanilla-Pérez’s music and generational impact.

“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 spirit,” the message went on. “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 family’s remarks concluded with them asking that Quintanilla-Pérez be remembered for her art rather than her heartbreaking death.

“We thank Selena’s fans for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your love has been a source of strength and healing,” the statement read. “We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life — not the tragedy that took her from us — and we ask that all you cherish her to the same – the The Quintanilla Family and Chris Pérez.”

Saldívar worked as the manager of Selena Etc. and was president of Quintanilla-Pérez’s fan club. She was fired by the family for allegedly embezzling money. Saldívar murdered the singer on March 31, 1995 after Quintanilla-Pérez went to Saldívar’s hotel room at a Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi, Texas to retrieve business records for a tax filing. After the two got into a dispute, Saldívar shot Quintanilla-Pérez in the back with a .38-caliber revolver. Quintanilla-Pérez died from the gunshot wound an hour after being transported to a nearby hospital.

On Oct. 23, 1995, Saldívar was convicted of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. On Sunday, the now-64-year-old, was up for parole for the first time. The panel cited the violent nature of the crime as the reason Saldívar’s parole was denied.

“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,” the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles statement read. “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.”

Following the denial, Saldívar will not be eligible for parole again until 2030.

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