CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Yolanda Saldivar, the convicted murderer of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla-Perez, has begun the parole process and is set to be eligible for parole on March 30, 2025. Former Nueces County District Attorney and District Court Judge Carlos Valdez, who prosecuted Saldivar in 1995, recently shared his thoughts on whether she should be released.
Reflecting on the case, Valdez told Corpus Christi TV station 3News, “When I was trying this case 30 years ago, I looked around and saw thousands of people all interested in this case, and to myself, I thought, ‘All this is gonna be gone.'” He continued, “In 5 years, people are gonna forget about this case, people are gonna forget about Selena, people are gonna forget this ever happened, and I was so wrong.”
Valdez emphasized the lasting impact of Selena’s death, noting, “It’s known all over the world.” He also explained the parole process, stating, “It’s not a hearing — it’s a process that starts with three people on the parole board who start gathering information.” This includes the offender’s criminal history, behavior in prison, and any letters of protest or support.
When asked if he believes Saldivar should be released, Valdez firmly responded, “Thirty years later, there is so much interest in the case and I believe — I really believe — that the safest place for Yolanda would probably be where she is.” He added, “Based on what I’ve seen, so far, I think it would be a serious mistake to grant parole at this time.”
RELATED: Evidence from Selena murder trial revealed by prosecutor for first time in 23 years [VIDEO]
Saldivar has never denied the shooting but has maintained that it was an accident. 3News reports Abraham Quintanilla, Selena’s father, has not been contacted by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles regarding Saldivar’s case.
The decision on Saldivar’s parole will be made by a three-member voting panel after gathering all necessary information and interviewing Saldivar herself. The outcome will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and the Tejano music community.
Read the full story at kiiitv.com.
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How can I write to the Texas Board of Parole to protest releasing Yolanda Saldivar from prison? She should NEVER be paroled. Selena didn’t think it was an accusant. Evidenced by her plea for the lobby door to be locked so Saldivar could not shoot her again!
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