Where Is Yolanda Saldivar Now? Understanding the Legacy of Selena’s Killer

Yolanda Saldivar remains incarcerated after being sentenced to life in prison for the murder of pop icon Selena Quintanilla on March 31, 1995. Once a close friend and president of Selena’s fan club, Saldivar’s relationship with the singer deteriorated as allegations of embezzlement surfaced. This culminated in a tragic confrontation, resulting in Selena’s death and an enduring legacy that continues to resonate today.

Saldivar was born on September 19, 1960, in San Antonio, Texas. She initially gained prominence as a devoted fan of country music, but her interests shifted to tejano music after attending a Selena concert. Her enthusiasm led her to establish a fan club for Selena, which caught the attention of the singer and her family. In 1994, Saldivar was hired to manage Selena Etc., a boutique owned by the Quintanilla family in Corpus Christi, Texas.

However, by early 1995, Saldivar’s actions drew scrutiny. The Quintanillas discovered that she had allegedly embezzled thousands of dollars from both the fan club and the boutique. This breach of trust strained her relationship with Selena, ultimately leading to a deadly encounter.

On the day of the shooting, Saldivar, armed with a .38-caliber revolver, met Selena at the Days Inn hotel in Corpus Christi under the pretense of discussing financial documents. After a meeting on March 30, Selena agreed to return the following day for another discussion. During this second meeting, tensions escalated, and Saldivar shot Selena in the shoulder. Despite being rushed to Corpus Christi Memorial Hospital, Selena was pronounced dead at approximately 1:05 p.m. local time.

Following the shooting, Saldivar attempted to flee the scene. Authorities quickly apprehended her after a nearly ten-hour standoff. Charged with first-degree murder, Saldivar pleaded not guilty, claiming the shooting was accidental and that she intended to take her own life instead. Nonetheless, she was convicted in October 1995 and sentenced to life imprisonment.

As of November 2025, Saldivar remains in custody at a women’s prison in Gatesville, Texas. In December 2024, she submitted a request for parole, marking the 30th anniversary of her incarceration. A representative from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed that Saldivar had maintained a clean record leading up to her parole review.

In March 2025, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles announced that Saldivar’s request for parole had been denied. The board’s decision followed a thorough review process, examining court documents and other relevant information. They indicated that Saldivar would be eligible for another review in March 2030.

The Quintanilla family expressed their gratitude for the board’s decision through a social media statement, emphasizing that while Selena cannot be brought back, justice continues to prevail. They reiterated their commitment to honoring Selena’s legacy as one filled with love, music, and inspiration.

Saldivar has consistently maintained her stance that the shooting was unintentional. In a 1995 interview with 20/20, she stated, “I did not kill Selena. It was an accident, and my conscience is clear.” More recently, in a 2024 documentary, she reiterated her claim, asserting that she had protected Selena from her father, Abraham Quintanilla, who she accused of attempting to control the singer’s life. Abraham has denied these allegations, labeling them as falsehoods.

As Saldivar continues her sentence, the impact of Selena’s life and tragic death remains significant, with her legacy celebrated by fans worldwide. The story of these two women serves as a poignant reminder of both the complexities of their relationship and the enduring influence of Selena Quintanilla’s music and spirit.