Selena’s Killer Yolanda Saldívar ‘Meets the Criteria’ for Release, Will Request Parole Hearing (Exclusive)

Yolanda Saldívar, the woman serving a life sentence for the 1995 murder of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, is hoping to be released from prison in March 2025 — and authorities say there is nothing precluding her from seeking parole.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice says Saldívar has no blemishes on her record that will keep the board from holding a hearing to determine whether to release her.

Saldívar, 62, is the "most hated person" at Mountain View Unit, a former inmate at the women's prison in Gatesville, Texas, told The Messenger.

"Everyone wanted to get justice for Selena," said another.

Despite having a target on her back, Saldívar has had no disciplinary infractions in the past 10 years — and she's aware of how that affects her parole eligibility, a family member tells The Messenger.

"She knows she meets the criteria," says the relative. "She's going to request a hearing."

Saldívar — a founder of Selena's fan club — has been behind bars since March 31, 1995, when she gunned down the singer during a confrontation at a Corpus Christi, Texas, hotel. Selena believed Saldívar had embezzled more than $60,000 and was planning to fire her.

During their encounter, Saldívar shot the "Queen of Tejano" in the back. The singer died from blood loss at a hospital later that day.

At trial, attorneys for Saldívar claimed that the shooting was accidental and that she had meant to kill herself. But a jury disagreed, and sentenced her to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

Saldívar has spent the bulk of her sentence at Mountain View Unit. Her parole eligibility date is March 30, 2025.

The Parole Board will determine Saldívar's eligibility based on her criminal history, age, health and the severity of the offense. They will also check her disciplinary conduct and whether she participated in vocational or character development programs behind bars.

The Department of Parole will send out notices early next year to Saldívar, her former attorney, Selena's family and the prosecutor. They will be able to file affidavits to support or oppose the parole.

Selena's family has not returned The Messenger's request for comment, but have long maintained that they would oppose any parole for Saldívar.