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Yolanda Saldvar, who tragically murdered Selena in 1995, has been denied an early release. A jury convicted Saldvar of murder with a deadly weapon that same year and handed her a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
PEOPLE reports that Yolanda Saldvar was set to be eligible for parole on March 30, 2025. But on Thursday, March 27, the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole shut it down. In a statement, the panel explained that they denied her parole because of the “nature of the offense.” Additionally, the panel confirmed that Saldvar will get another parole review in March 2030, giving her another chance in five years.
“The record indicates that the instant offense has elements of brutality, violence, assaultive behavior or conscious selection of victims vulnerability indicating a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others, such that the offender poses a continuing threat to public safety,” the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole told PEOPLE.
Right after news dropped about Yolanda Saldvar’s parole denial, Selena’s family shared a statement on her official Instagram page. They expressed relief that justice still stands for Selena.
“Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldvar. While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and millions of fans around the world far too soon.”
Additionally, Selena’s fam showed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support over the years.
“We thank Selena’s fans for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your 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 cherish her do the same,” the statement continued.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Yolanda Saldvar is serving her life sentence in Texas. Since the 1995 incident, Saldvar has insisted that the shooting was an accident. In December 2024, inmates at Patrick L. O’Daniel in Gatesville, Texas, spoke with the New York Post about the dangers Saldvar faces in the general prison population. Back in December 2024, an inmate named Marisol Lopez revealed that a bounty had been placed on Yolanda’s head because everyone knew who she was.
Theres a bounty on her head like everyone wants a piece of her. The guards keep her away from everyone else because shes hated so much. If she were out, someone would try to take her down, Lopez reportedly explained.
Furthermore, Yolanda Saldvar’s cousin reportedly told the New York Post that keeping her in jail serves no purpose. She also mentioned that Yolanda believes she’s a “political prisoner” and feels it’s time for her to be released.
As soon as news broke about Yolanda Saldvar’s denied parole, the Roommates flooded The Shade Room’s comment section with reactions. Check out some of their thoughts below.
Instagram user @thepclassgirl wrote, “Stay where you at boo.”
Instagram user @og_luvbelow wrote, “Why are her lawyers not explaining to her that prison is the safest place for her?!”
While Instagram user @king.sie_ wrote, “Its for the best. Ppl got beef with her out here.”
Then Instagram user @shapeme_brows wrote, “Only Yolanda we acknowledge is Adams.”
Another Instagram user @theajzone wrote, “She should just make herself comfortable in there- add some decor pillows.”
Instagram user @jenn36njuice wrote, “ I don’t understand why she even thought she was gonna be free.”
While another Instagram user @_terriffic wrote, “Girl, they got bounties on u out here too. Anything for Selenas!”
Instagram user @obeytonii_ wrote, “Anything for selenassss ”
Lastly, Instagram user @iambrilliantglam wrote, “Texas is VERY happy ”
