After 30 years behind bars, Yolanda Saldívar, the woman convicted of killing Selena Quintanilla Pérez, also known as the “Queen of Tejano,” is seeking parole. Now 64 years old, Saldívar has served her time at the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas, and her parole eligibility date is fast approaching.
The parole process involves a detailed review of her case. This includes going through letters from those who either support or protest her release, as well as an interview with an Institutional Parole Officer. Once all of this is done, the officer prepares a summary for the parole board. The board will then vote just before her parole eligibility date, which falls on March 30. If Saldívar is approved, she could be released no earlier than that date. If denied, her next review could be anywhere from one to five years later, depending on what the parole panel decides.
Saldívar, who once managed Selena’s fan club and her boutiques, has consistently maintained that the shooting was an accident. Over the years, she has also expressed fears for her safety in prison, claiming she’s a target. Former inmate Marisol Lopez, who shared the facility with Saldívar from 2017 to 2022, confirmed these fears in an interview, saying, “There’s a bounty on her head. Everyone knows who she is, and if she were in the general population, someone would definitely try to harm her.” According to Lopez, prison guards keep Saldívar isolated to protect her from potential attacks.
Selena’s tragic death shocked the world. She was just 23 years old when she was killed on March 31, 1995, at a Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi, Texas. Reports say Selena had gone to meet Saldívar to retrieve financial documents after her family accused Saldívar of embezzling money. During the meeting, Saldívar shot Selena, leading to a standoff with police before she was arrested. She was later convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
Since her conviction, Saldívar has spoken publicly about the incident, denying the embezzlement accusations and offering claims that Selena was having an affair—a claim that has never been substantiated. In an old interview, she said, “They made me out to be a monster, but I just want to say, I did not kill Selena. It was an accident.”
Selena’s death left an indelible mark on fans around the globe. Known for her iconic music and vibrant personality, she helped bring Tejano and Latin music into the mainstream. Her songs remain a staple at family gatherings and celebrations, where her legacy continues to unite people on the dance floor. In March, her contributions were honored by Democratic Representative Robert Garcia, who highlighted her impact on music and culture.
For many, the pain of losing Selena has never faded, and Saldívar’s potential release is sure to spark strong emotions on both sides of the discussion. The final decision on her parole now rests with the board, as fans around the world continue to remember and celebrate the life of a star gone too soon.
