This Thursday, the Board of Pardons and Paroles of the state of Texas decided to deny the parole request of Yolanda Saldívar, who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of the famous singer Selena Quintanilla. The decision was made considering the seriousness of the crime and the potential threat that Saldívar poses to society. Selena’s family, along with Chris Pérez, the singer’s widower, expressed their gratitude for the ruling, which prevents Saldívar from requesting parole again for another five years.
The murder of Selena, which occurred on March 31, 1995 in Corpus Christi, Texas, continues to be a painful chapter for her loved ones and fans around the world. Through a post on Instagram, the Quintanilla family and Chris Pérez expressed their feelings regarding the decision made, reaffirming their commitment to honoring the legacy of the Queen of Tex-Mex.
The decision of the Board of Pardons and Paroles
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles declared this Thursday that they will not grant early release to Yolanda Saldívar, who was convicted in 1995 for the murder of Selena Quintanilla. The official report stated that the decision was based on the violent nature of the crime and the risk Saldívar poses to public safety. According to the board, “the record indicates that the crime in question exhibits elements of brutality, violence, aggressive behavior, or a conscious selection of the victim’s vulnerability, demonstrating a conscious disregard for the life, safety, or property of others, in such a way that the offender poses a continuous threat to public safety.”
The message from the Quintanilla family and Chris Pérez
Selena and Chris Pérez’s family expressed their gratitude for the Board’s decision, emphasizing that, although the ruling will not bring back the artist, it reaffirms that justice remains a fundamental principle in this case. In their official statement, the family shared the following: “We are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has decided to deny parole to Yolanda Saldívar. While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice is still present for the beautiful life that was taken from us, and for millions of fans around the world, too soon.”
Selena’s legacy and the support of her fans
In their post, the Quintanilla family highlighted Selena’s legacy, who continues to be a source of inspiration for millions of people. “Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived joyfully, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and spirit. 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.”
They also thanked the fans for their continuous support, which has been essential for their healing process. "We thank Selena’s fans for their unwavering support over the years. Their love has been a source of strength and healing. We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life - not the tragedy that took her from us - and we ask that all who appreciate her do the same."