Selena Quintanilla's Killer, Yolanda Saldívar, Denied Parole

Yolanda Saldívar, the woman who murdered beloved music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, was denied parole by the Texas parole board on Thursday. Saldívar, who has been serving a life sentence for the past three decades, faced her first parole hearing since her conviction.

Selena’s widower, Chris Pérez, expressed gratitude following the decision in a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram. He praised the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for their ruling, calling it a reaffirmation of justice for the life that was tragically cut short. "Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration," Pérez wrote. "We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life, not the tragedy that took her from us." He also thanked fans for their unwavering support, which he said has been a source of strength for her family.

Saldívar would have become eligible for parole on March 30, but her notoriety remains a heavy burden even behind bars. According to reports, Saldívar is housed in protective custody at the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas, due to threats from other inmates. "There’s a bounty on her head," a former inmate claimed, illustrating the intense animosity toward her.

To rewind the tragic timeline: Selena was fatally shot on March 31, 1995, after confronting her then-friend and boutique manager Saldívar about embezzling $30,000. Despite the overwhelming evidence and her conviction for first-degree murder, Saldívar still denies stealing from Selena and has maintained a controversial narrative about the events leading to the shooting.

In a 2024 prison interview for the Oxygen docuseries "Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them," Saldívar claimed the shooting was an accident and that she had intended to end her own life. "It startled me," she said. "I did not know my gun went off.” She added, "I’m regretful for all of that. If I could turn back time, I think a lot of things wouldn’t be as they are." Saldívar also stated that she misses Selena deeply and remains apologetic to the singer's family.

Whether you believe her remorse or not, one thing is certain: Selena’s legacy continues to shine brighter than ever. Fans across the globe still cherish her music, her vibrant spirit, and the cultural impact she left behind. And as for Saldívar’s parole denial? Let’s just say justice seems to have taken the mic for an encore.