Selena's killer, Yolanda Saldívar, files for parole, begins review process
Jan 03, 2025
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Yolanda Saldívar, the woman who killed Tejano music singer Selena Quintanilla Perez, has officially filed for parole for the first time, according to documents filed with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Saldívar, now 64 years-old, was sentenced to life in prison on Oct. 26, 1995, with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Currently, she is incarcerated at the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit prison in Gatesville, Texas.
The Quintanilla family had accused Saldívar of embezzling money from Selena's fan club and boutiques. Soon after, Selena confronted Saldívar about the allegations at a Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi on March 31, 1995.
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Saldívar shot and killed the singer at the motel. Selena was 23 years old.
According to the Texas DCJ, the parole process includes a review of the offender's file, including letters of support and protest. The incarcerated person will also be interviewed and an entire summary package will be provided to a parole board to vote on.
If she's denied parole, she'll be eligible for parole review again in 1-5 years, according to a Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles who spoke with Corpus Christi's Caller Times.