Selena Quintanilla’s killer will remain behind bars.
Following the decision to deny Yolanda Saldívar—who was convicted of killing the Queen of Tejano Music—an early release, Selena’s family expressed their relief over the decision.
“Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar,” they wrote March 28 on Instagram. “While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon.”
The post, shared to the Selena account run by the family, went on to detail how her legacy is “one of love, music, and inspiration” and remembered the joy and generosity with which she lived.
“As her family and loved ones,” the caption continued, “we remain committed to preserving her memory and ensuring that her story is honored with the dignity and respect it deserves.”
And following a final message of gratitude to Selena’s fans who have remained devoted since her 1995 death, her family concluded, “We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life – not the tragedy that took her from us — and we ask that all who cherish her do the same.”
Yolanda filed for parole in January ahead of her early release eligibility date of March 30. The 64-year-old has been serving a life sentence since she fatally shot Selena, who was only 23 at the time, at a Days Inn in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The “Amor Prohibido” singer later died at a hospital.
Days before the murder, Yolanda had been fired by Selena and her husband Chris Perez from her role as manager of Selena’s boutiques and president of her fan club over allegations Yolanda had been embezzling money from them.
Yolanda previously appealed her guilty verdict in 1998 and has maintained she “did not intend” to kill Selena when she shot her.
Following the decision to deny Yolanda her early release, the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole said in a statement to People, “After a thorough consideration of all available information, which included any confidential interviews conducted, it was the parole panels determination to deny parole to Yolanda Saldivar and set her next parole review for March 2030.”
For more on Selena’s life in photos, keep reading.
