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Selena’s family says decision to deny her killer parole ‘reaffirms that justice continues to stand’

BBG News

It’s pleasing news for Selena’s family that Yolanda Saldívar, the person who took Selena’s life, was not granted parole on Thursday in Texas.

64-year-old Saldívar is currently serving a life sentence for the murder that occurred at a Corpus Christi hotel on March 32, 1995. The victim was Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, a singer who accused her friend Saldívar of stealing $30,000. At the time, Saldívar held positions as president of Selena’s fan club and manager of her Selena Etc. stores.

Another film about Selena Quintanilla might have seemed unnecessary – that is, until Suzette, her bandmate from Los Dinos (and her sister) joined the conversation.

The Quintanilla family and Chris Perez, who secretly married Selena in 1992, appeared content with the denial of parole, expressing their gratitude on social media by saying, “Today, we are thankful.” They opted to celebrate Selena’s life instead of focusing on her untimely death.

According to documents received on Thursday by The Times, the parole board stated that the crime displayed “brutal and violent characteristics, aggressive behavior, or targeted victim vulnerability, suggesting a deliberate disregard for the well-being, security, or possessions of others. This indicates that the offender continues to pose a significant risk to public safety.

Though we can’t restore Selena, this choice underscores that justice endures as a tribute to the precious life unjustly lost, not just by us but by countless fans worldwide who mourn her untimely demise.

A post shared by Selena (@selenaqofficial)

In 2030, Saldívar becomes eligible once more for a thorough examination, which includes interviews and behavior assessments, regarding the possibility of parole – as is the case in Texas.

Entertainment & Arts

30 years following the shooting of beloved singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez, the woman convicted of her murder was refused parole.

The Quintanillas and Pérez stated that Selena’s influence is marked by love, music, and motivation. She lived radiantly, acted generously, and still lifts various generations with her voice and spirit. As her family and those close to her, we are determined to safeguard her memory and uphold her story in a manner that reflects its importance and respect.

Fans’ support, they said, had been a source of strength and healing over the years.

A popular Tejano singer, known for her success in the genre, was preparing to record her debut English-language crossover album when she was fatally shot at a Corpus Christi Days Inn by Saldívar. The song “Dreaming of You” was released after her death in July 1995.

Jennifer Lopez featured in the 1997 movie “Selena,” portraying the real-life singer, while in 2020, Netflix premiered the two-season series “Selena: The Series,” which delves into Selena’s journey with her family band, Los Dinos, and her tragic murder.

77-year-old Johnny Canales, a renowned figure in Tejano music and a trailblazer in Latino television, passed away. He played a significant role in kickstarting the careers of artists like Selena Quintanilla and others.

2024 saw the Oxygen network debut “Selena & Yolanda: The Hidden Truths,” a two-part documentary featuring Saldívar’s account of the incidents, produced without the consent of the family involved.

More recently, the documentary titled “Selena y Los Dinos,” which showcases home videos captured by their eldest sister Suzette Quintanilla, left a strong impact on viewers at the Sundance Film Festival in January.

Fans of Selena weren’t pleased with the documentary titled “Selena & Yolanda.” Maria Elena Garcia, host of the “Anything for Selena” podcast, expressed her disapproval to The Times in 2024, stating that the filmmakers seem to be heavily emphasizing Yolanda’s accusations. She referred to these allegations as unsubstantiated, having been made over several decades. To Garcia, this approach is not only irresponsible and unethical but also distasteful.

This past month, I’ve found myself reflecting on a piece of gossip that a relative of the Saldívar family shared with the New York Post. According to them, Saldívar acknowledges the error of her actions yet persists in claiming that Selena approached her in a very confrontational manner.

The relative expressed that Selena’s aggressive behavior left them taken aback, as events moved swiftly. They mentioned that if Selena had approached the situation in a different manner, this incident could have been avoided.

Thirty years following the death of the singer, we reflect upon a song that symbolized what might have been for him.

At the trial in October 1995, Saldívar’s legal team claimed that she accidentally fired the gun which struck Selena, and that during their interrogation, the Corpus Christi police did not bring up this accidental claim.

For nearly nine hours at the hotel where Selena was fatally shot, Saldívar informed police negotiators that she had confessed to buying a .38-caliber revolver with the intention of taking her own life, as reported by the Associated Press in 1995.

Saldívar stated that Yolanda overheard her saying, ‘Yolanda, please don’t take your own life.’ She then opened the door. Upon asking her to shut it, a gunshot occurred.” This tape-recorded dialogue was presented during the court proceedings.

At the trial, Judge’s decision not to allow Saldívar to only discuss her encounters with law enforcement meant she didn’t provide testimony. Nonetheless, several hotel staff members testified that they observed a composed Saldívar carrying a gun while chasing a terrified Selena, who was crying and bleeding, according to the Associated Press.

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2025-03-28 21:31

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