Yolanda Saldívar, woman convicted of killing Selena, denied parole

In explaining the decision to deny parole, the board said in a statement that the panel found that Saldívar continues to pose a threat to public safety.

The woman convicted of killing Tejano music legend Selena Quintanilla-Pérez has been denied parole and will continue serving a life sentence for fatally shooting the rising young singer at a Texas motel in 1995, the state’s parole board announced Thursday.

Yolanda Saldívar, 64, was up for parole for the first time since the killing of the singer, known to fans as simply Selena.

One of the first Mexican American artists to break into the mainstream music scene, Selena shattered barriers for women in Latin music. She was 23 years old and on the verge of crossing over into English-language pop superstardom when she was killed.

The singer’s family and Chris Pérez, her widower, expressed gratitude to the Texas Board of Pardon and Paroles.

“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 said in a statement posted on social media.

In explaining the decision to deny parole, the board said in a statement that the panel found that Saldívar continues to pose a threat to public safety. It also said the nature of the crime indicated “a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others.”

Saldívar, who is serving her sentence in a Gatesville prison, will be eligible to be reviewed again for parole in 2030.

Saldívar founded Selena’s fan club and was the manager of the singer’s clothing boutiques, Selena Etc., until she was fired in early March 1995 after money was discovered missing.