Yolanda Saldivar, convicted of murdering Selena Quintanilla, could be eligible for parole in 2025.
SAN ANTONIO — The woman convicted of killing the Queen of Tejano, Selena Quintanilla, could soon be up for parole 30 years after tragedy sent shockwaves around the world.
Yolanda Saldivar was sentenced to life in prison for first degree murder for shooting Selena on March 31, 1995 in a Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The 23-year-old singer was a rising star in the Tejano music world and was poised to become a crossover pop star. In 1994, she was the first female Tejano artist to win a GRAMMY for Best Mexican-American Album. She grew up in South Texas and several ties to Corpus Christi, Lake Jackson, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio and Laredo. Since her murder, movies, documentaries, product releases and much more have kept Selena in the public memory.
Saldivar had served as Selena’s fan club president and the murder investigation found that she had met with Selena to discuss discrepancies in the club’s finances. As part of her defense, Saldivar claimed the shooting was accidentaly and she did not intend to fire the gun.
She was convicted of first-degree murder in a quick trial in 1995. She is eligible for parole for the first time on March 30, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website. Her case is already in the Parole Review Process – something that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles typically begins six months ahead of time for an inmate with parole eligibility for the first time.
That can include an offender’s criminal history and their behavior while in prison, as well as any letters of protest or support on file.
This is a developing story and KENS 5 will provide updates as they are received.