Yolanda Saldívar Files for Parole

Yolanda Saldívar, convicted in 1995 of killing Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla Pérez, has filed for parole nearly 30 years after the singer’s death. Saldívar, 63, is currently imprisoned at the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas, and her parole review is scheduled for March 30, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Saldívar, once the president of Selena’s fan club and manager of her boutiques, fatally shot the 23-year-old singer on March 31, 1995, at a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

Selena’s family had fired Saldívar earlier in 1995, accusing her of embezzling funds. In court, Selena’s widower, Chris Pérez, testified about their mistrust of Saldívar. Saldívar has denied embezzlement allegations and claimed the shooting was accidental, reiterating her stance in a 2022 Oxygen docuseries, which received backlash from Selena’s fans.

The Texas parole review process includes assessing letters of support and protest, along with a case summary. The review typically begins several months before the eligibility date.