• Selena was shot dead in 1995 by Saldívar, 64
  • She was convicted of the singer’s murder and sentenced to life in prison
  • This year marked the first time Saldívar has been eligible for parole
  • Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com 

By BRIAN MARKS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 22:56 GMT, 27 March 2025 | Updated: 23:14 GMT, 27 March 2025

The family of the slain singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez is speaking out after a dramatic parole decision was announced for her killer.

Yolanda Saldívar was eligible for parole for the first time this year after being sentenced in 1995 to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

Saldívar, who was once the president of Selena’s fan club, was convicted of murder after she shot the singer down in a bloody confrontation at a motel.

On Thursday, Selena’s family announced they were ‘grateful’ after the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles announced that her killer had been denied parole.

Saldívar, who is 64, will not be eligible again for parole until 2030.

‘Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar,’ wrote Selena’s family members and herhusband, Chris Pérez, in a joint statement. ‘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 family of the slain singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez is speaking out after a dramatic parole decision was announced for her killer

The family of the slain singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez is speaking out after a dramatic parole decision was announced for her killer

Yolanda Saldívar (pictured) was eligible for parole for the first time this year after being sentenced in 1995 to life in prison for murdering Selena, but the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles announced Thursday it was denying her parole

Yolanda Saldívar (pictured) was eligible for parole for the first time this year after being sentenced in 1995 to life in prison for murdering Selena, but the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles announced Thursday it was denying her parole

The late singer's family issued an emotional statement on Instagram on Thursday in response to the dramatic news

The late singer’s family issued an emotional statement on Instagram on Thursday in response to the dramatic news

‘Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit,’ they continued.

‘As her family and loved ones, we remain committed to preserving her memory and ensuring that her story is honored with the dignity and respect it deserves.

‘We thank Selena’s fans for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your love has been a source of strength and healing,’ her family added. ‘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.’

A version of the somber statement in Spanish was also included in their post. 

Selena was gunned down by Saldívar — the former president of her fan club — at a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 31, 1995; Selena is pictured just over a month earlier on February 26, 1995

Selena was gunned down by Saldívar — the former president of her fan club — at a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 31, 1995; Selena is pictured just over a month earlier on February 26, 1995

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Selena’s family breaks their silence after her murderer Yolanda Saldivar’s shock parole decision

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