On March 27, 2025, days before Serena’s 30th anniversary, the Texas Commission on Pardoning and Parole ruled the release of Sardivah, citing the violent nature of the crime.
Following the board’s decision, Serena’s family issued a statement expressing their appreciation.
Article continues under the ad
Yolanda Sardivar’s parole was denied
On Thursday, the Texas Commission on Pardonment and Parole announced that Yolanda Sardivar, a woman convicted of killing Serena, had been denied parole.
The board cited the atrocities of criminality and the ongoing threats that sardiva could pose to society.
“After a thorough review of all available information, including confidential interviews conducted, it was the Parole Committee’s determination to refuse parole to Yolanda Saldivar and set up the next parole review for March 2030,” the statement read.
The board emphasized that the nature of the crime played an important role in their decisions.
Article continues under the ad
“This record shows that immediate crimes have elements of victims’ vulnerability, violence, assault behavior, or conscious choice that show a conscious disregard for the lives, safety or property of others, poses an ongoing threat to public safety.
The decision means that Saldívar, who was sentenced to life in prison for the possibility of parole 30 years later, will not have a separate chance at his own pace until 2030.
Article continues under the ad
Serena’s family responds to the board’s decision
After news of the Texas pardon and parole decision, Serena’s family released a statement via her official Instagram account.
“We are grateful today that the Texas Commission on Pardonment and Parole has chosen to refuse Yolanda Sardivar’s parole,” the statement began.
The family said, “While we cannot regain Serena, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to support the beautiful life that has been taken too quickly by us and millions of fans around the world.”
Serena’s family said her legacy is “one of love, music and inspiration,” adding that she “lives with joy, gives selflessness, and continues to elevate a generation with her voice and spirit.”
Article continues under the ad
They continued, “As her family and loved ones, we continue to be committed to maintaining her memory and ensuring that her story respects the dignity and respect it deserves.”
The statement said, “We appreciate Serena’s fans’ unwavering support over the years. Your love has been a source of strength and healing. We will continue to celebrate Serena’s life, not the tragedy that brought her out of us.
Article continues under the ad
Serena’s Death: A Murder that Shocked the World
Serena Quintanilla Perez, known as the “Queen of Tegiano Music,” was a rising star in the music industry, where her life was tragically shortened.
On March 31, 1995, she was fatally injured by Yolanda Saldivar, the former president of the fan club at Corpus Christi Motel.
Former nurse Sardivar managed Serena’s boutique, Serena, and others, but was fired after the singer’s family accused her of embezzling her.
Serena went to the Days Inn Motel to obtain financial documents from Sardibar when the conflict continued.
During the discussion, Sardiva pulled out a .38 caliber revolver and shot Serena in the back. The injured singer ran towards the motel lobby where she collapsed. Before she lost consciousness, she identified Sardiva as the shooter.
Serena was declared dead shortly after she arrived at the hospital.
Article continues under the ad
Yolanda Sardivar’s defense and beliefs
After the shooting, Sardivar engaged in a ten-hour standoff with police, during which she repeatedly claimed the shooting was an accident.
“I wasn’t going to do that. I wasn’t going to kill anyone,” she told authorities.
However, the evidence against her was overwhelming. During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Sardiva intentionally killed Serena after facing financial inconsistencies.
It took less than three hours for her ju judge to find her guilty of first-degree murder. In October 1995, she was sentenced to life in prison 30 years later for the possibility of parole.
The court’s decision ensured that she would remain in jail for decades.
Serena’s eternal legacy
Despite her tragic death at just 23, Serena’s impact on music and culture remains serious.
She was a pioneer in Tejano music, breaking the barriers of Latin artists and paving the way for future generations.
Maria Garcia, host of the podcast “Anything for Selena,” highlighted the singer’s influence, saying, “Selena was a generation of artists. She revolutionized music, fashion and physical politics in the United States.”
Serena’s career peaked when she was murdered. Her Grammy-winning album “Live!” and chart topping “Amore Amor Amor” solidified her as Tejano’s music superstar. She was on the verge of crossover in English, and “Dream, Your Dream” was a huge success after death.
Article continues under the ad
Her legacy has been recognized through numerous tributes, including the Hollywood Walk of Famestar, the Netflix series, and the biopic starring Jennifer Lopez. The singer’s cultural significance continues to resonate with fans around the world.