The decision, announced Thursday, cites the “nature of the offense” as the primary reason for rejection.
Saldívar, who fatally shot Selena at a Corpus Christi hotel, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years. Her first parole eligibility date was March 30, 2025. However, after reviewing her case, the board determined that her release would pose a “continuing threat to public safety.”
The parole board’s statement highlighted “elements of brutality, violence, assaultive behavior, and conscious selection of the victim’s vulnerability,” reinforcing their decision to keep Saldívar incarcerated. She will not be eligible for parole again until March 2030.
The denial comes just days before the 30th anniversary of Selena’s tragic death on March 31, 1995. Selena, known as the Queen of Tejano Music, was a rising star before her life was cut short at age 23. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of fans.
Saldívar, a former fan club president and boutique manager for Selena, was convicted of first-degree murder and has remained in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice since 1995. The parole board’s ruling ensures she will remain behind bars for at least another five years.