Latest news with #DreamingofYou
Los Angeles Times
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Selena's family says decision to deny her killer parole ‘reaffirms that justice continues to stand'
Selena's family is 'grateful' that the young singer's killer, Yolanda Saldívar, was denied parole Thursday in Texas. Saldívar, 64, is serving a life sentence for the March 31, 1995, murder that took place at a Corpus Christi hotel after the singer, whose last name was Quintanilla-Pérez, accused friend Saldívar of embezzling $30,000. The older woman had been president of the Selena fan club and manager of the singer's Selena Etc. boutiques. The Quintanilla family and Chris Pérez, the guitarist who secretly married Selena in 1992, seemed pleased with the decision to deny parole, writing on social media, 'Today, we are grateful.' They said they were celebrating Selena's life, rather than remembering her murder. The parole board said in documents obtained Thursday by The Times that the killing had 'elements of brutality, violence, assaultive behavior or conscious selection of victim's vulnerability indicating a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others, such that the offender poses a continuing threat to public safety.' 'While nothing can bring Selena back,' the family continued, 'this decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon.' Saldívar's case is eligible for another parole review — in Texas, a comprehensive evaluation involving interviews and behavioral reviews — in 2030. 'Selena's legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit,' the Quintanillas and Pérez wrote. 'As her family and loved ones, we remain committed to preserving her memory and ensuring that her story is honored with the dignity and respect it deserves.' Fans' support, they said, had been a source of strength and healing over the years. The Tejana pop superstar was about to record her first English-language crossover album when she was shot in the back by Saldívar at a Corpus Christi Days Inn. 'Dreaming of You' was released posthumously in July 1995. Jennifer Lopez starred in 'Selena,' the 1997 film about the singer, and in 2020, Netflix debuted 'Selena: The Series,' a two-season, 18-episode series looking at her rise to fame with the family band, Los Dinos, and her murder. In 2024, the Oxygen network released 'Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them,' a two-part documentary incorporating Saldívar's version of events. The latter was done without the family's OK. Most recently, the documentary 'Selena y Los Dinos,' featuring home movies shot by older sister Suzette Quintanilla, impressed audiences at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Selena fans weren't happy about 'Selena & Yolanda.' 'It's very clear to me that [the filmmakers are] giving a lot of weight to Yolanda's allegations,' 'Anything for Selena' podcast host Maria Elena Garcia told The Times in 2024. referencing promotions for the documentary. 'Empty allegations that she has been making for literally decades. To me, that's incredibly irresponsible, unethical and, frankly, just distasteful.' Earlier this month, a Saldívar family member told the New York Post that Saldívar knows what she did was wrong but maintains that Selena came at her 'really aggressively.' 'She was so thrown off with how forceful Selena was being; everything happened so fast,' the family member said. 'If Selena had confronted her differently, this never would have happened.' Saldívar's defense team alleged at trial in October 1995 that she shot Selena by accident and that Corpus Christi police who questioned her never mentioned that claim. During a nine-hour standoff at the hotel where Selena was shot, Saldívar told police negotiators that she told the singer she had bought a .38-caliber revolver to kill herself, the Associated Press reported in 1995. 'She told me: 'Yolanda, I don't want you to kill yourself.' She opened the door. When I told her to close it, the gun went off,' Saldívar said. The taped conversation was played at trial. Saldívar did not testify at trial after a judge denied a request that she testify only about her interactions with police. However, several hotel employees testified that they saw a calm Saldívar with the gun pursuing a screaming, bleeding Selena, the AP said. Times staff writer Clara Harter contributed to this report.
Los Angeles Times
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Remember This Banger: Selena's ‘Dreaming of You'
Before Selena Quintanilla was murdered on March 31, 1995, she was on the precipice of something big — the culmination of all her grinding and hustling in the Tejano music scene was about to send her into another stratosphere. The 23-year-old Grammy winner had already accomplished so much in her short life, becoming a beloved figure among those who wore Stetson hats and frequented rodeos. But just when the promise of more was on the horizon, Selena's light was snuffed out. In the 30 years since her death, Latinos (and beyond) have elevated the late singer to sainthood. Hers is a tragic story of a life cut too soon to realize her fullest potential. And no song in her catalog encapsulates that more than 'Dreaming of You.' Released on Aug. 14, 1995, 'Dreaming of You' was the posthumous lead single from the Corpus Christi-bred singer's fifth and final studio album of the same name. It was the first Spanish-language album to debut at no. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 331,000 copies in its first week, and would go on to become the best-selling Latin music album for the next 20 years. Selena's memory has far outlasted the number of years she was alive — and her legacy has become her best-selling product. The Quintanilla family has continuously capitalized on Selena's memory, making millions upon millions on her image, story and music. It doesn't always sit well with fans. But back in 1995, the album was a welcome opportunity to honor Selena's talent, grieve her loss and mourn what a long life could have given her and her fans. Given that her death happened in the midst of recording, songwriters, producers and her family had to finish the album without her, filling the void of not just an artist, but a loved one. In E News' oral history of the making of 'Dreaming of You,' Selena's husband Chris Perez recalls how difficult it was to continue work on the album so soon after her death. 'To be around the voice at that particular time was really painful,' he explained. 'To the point to where I just would ask to not even have that vocal going on, you know, just pop it in here and there so I knew where I was in the song. It wasn't fun.' The album was to be Selena's big anglophone crossover attempt, with 'Dreaming of You' leading the charge. Originally written by Franne Golde and Tom Snow for Minneapolis pop R&B group The Jets, 'Dreaming of You' is a sweet, longing ballad of a girl sitting in her room dreaming of the boy she loves. It reads and sounds like a starry-eyed teenager's diary entry: Late at night when all the world is sleeping / I stay up and think of you / And I wish on a star / that somewhere you are / thinking of me too… 'Dreaming of You' was Selena's highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 22 on the chart. The song had captured the very essence of Selena and her life to that point: a young girl who had fallen in love with a boy her parents didn't approve of, but compelled by her passion, decided to run away and marry him despite their dismay. The song also reads like an allegory for a young Mexican American woman who is caught between two cultures, struggling with the confining nature of being enough for both sides of her identity. Selena was a predominantly Spanish-language artist who modeled herself after divas like Donna Summer, Jody Watley and Paula Abdul, within a primarily Mexican genre. She wanted to be an American R&B-pop singer, but had been cordoned off from that path — a business decision made by her father when she was too young to fully possess her own voice. And it became the primary goal of her artistry to create a space that fit her fullest self, as she was and as she wanted to be. This is most evident on 'Dreaming of You.' On the sentimental banger, she taps into the same heart-wrenching, ranchera balladeering she performs on 'Tú Solo Tú' and 'No Me Queda Más' and transfers it to English-language pop. And to fully emphasize the crossover, she does an interlude in Spanish. It serves as a connective bridge between two periods of her career that would allow her fans to cross over with her. Although it's the ultimate story of what could have been, the truth is that Selena did accomplish the career she dreamed of. As she crossed over into the afterlife, she also crossed over into the American pop mainstream, just as she had hoped for in her time on Earth. And in sharing her music from generation to generation, fans continue to fulfill that dream.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Yolanda Saldívar, Selena's Murderer, Denied Parole
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied parole for Yolanda Saldívar, the woman serving a life sentence for the 1995 murder of Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Saldívar was convicted of fatally shooting the beloved singer at a Corpus Christi Days Inn on March 31, 1995, and became eligible for parole after 30 years. However, after a thorough review, the parole board ruled against her release. 'After a thorough consideration of all available information, which included any confidential interviews conducted, it was the parole panel's determination to deny parole to Yolanda Saldívar and set her next parole review for March 2030,' the board stated. According to NBC News, the board also cited the 'brutality, violence, and assaultive behavior' of the crime as reasons for denial, adding that Saldívar's actions showed a 'conscious disregard' for the safety of others and that she posed a 'continuing threat to public safety.' The decision was met with gratitude from Selena's family, who released a heartfelt statement on Instagram. 'While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon,' they wrote. 'Selena's legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit.' They also expressed appreciation for the unwavering support from Selena's fans, encouraging them to celebrate her life rather than dwell on the unforgettable tragedy. Saldívar was once a trusted figure in Selena's inner circle, serving as president of her fan club and managing two of her clothing boutiques. However, tensions arose in early 1995 when Selena's family accused her of embezzling money, leading to her being fired. Shortly after, she lured Selena to the motel under the pretense of returning financial documents, but instead, she shot the 23-year-old singer in the back. Selena, gravely wounded, managed to identify Saldívar as the shooter before collapsing in the lobby. Meanwhile, Saldívar barricaded herself in a truck outside, threatening to take her own life before eventually surrendering. During her trial, Saldívar maintained that she never intended to kill Selena, claiming the gun discharged accidentally as she planned to end her own life. A jury found her guilty of first-degree murder in October 1995, sentencing her to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Selena, often referred to as the 'Queen of Tejano Music,' left an indelible mark on the industry with hits like 'Dreaming of You,' 'No Me Queda Más,' and 'Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.' In 1994, she won a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album for Live, further cementing her legacy. Her life and career was immortalized in the 1997 biopic Selena, starring Jennifer Lopez. Ahead of her parole eligibility, Saldívar resurfaced in the public eye in the 2024 Oxygen docuseries Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them. In it, she continued to deny the embezzlement accusations and made the shocking, baseless claim that she was covering up an extramarital affair Selena was allegedly having. The documentary sparked outrage among fans even before its release. With her parole officially denied, Saldívar will remain behind bars until at least her next review in 2030. More from Selena's Killer Reportedly Blames Late Singer For Her Own Death Selena's Killer Seeks Parole After Serving 30 Years Of Life Sentence Reports Of Selena's Murderer, Yolanda Saldivar, Wanting To Work With Shakira Upon Parole Are False
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Woman who killed music icon Selena denied parole in Texas
The woman who murdered singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez was denied early release from prison in Texas on Thursday. Yolanda Saldívar was sentenced to life in prison for the 1995 murder of the Tejano singer who became a music icon in the US. When Saldívar was sentenced, she was given the possibility of parole after serving 30 years in prison. On Thursday, a three-person Texas parole board denied her request to be released early. Saldívar, who founded Selena's fan club, will be eligible again for early parole in March 2030. A jury convicted Saldívar of first-degree murder in 1995. She was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years - which arrived this year. Saldívar, the board said in a statement, continues to pose a threat to public safety. The nature of her crime showed "a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others". Saldívar was the founder and manager of the Tejano singer's fan club and managed the Selena's clothing boutiques, Selena Etc. On 31 March, 1995, Saldívar killed 23-year-old Selena at a hotel in Corpus Christi, Texas. The shooting came after Saldívar was confronted by Selena's family for allegedly embezzling from the singer's fan club and clothing line. Saldívar reportedly went to the hotel after she was fired by the singer's family over the allegations. She went to Selena's motel room to reportedly pick up business records she needed to file taxes, according to the Associated Press. When Selena ran from the room, Saldívar shot the singer in the back. Selena rose to fame and won a Grammy in the early 1990s when Tejano music was booming. She was nicknamed "the Queen of Tejano" and her album Dreaming of You topped charts after it was released months after her death. As the BBC previously reported, those unfamiliar with Tejano (Mexican-American) music may never have heard of Selena, who was just hitting the US mainstream when she was murdered. But for many Latina women, she is an inspiration - the first Tejano singer to debut at the top of the Billboard chart when her posthumous crossover album, Dreaming of You, was released in 1996. Her story was famously brought to life in the 1997 film Selena, which gave singer Jennifer Lopez her break-out acting role. A tragic Latin icon who still inspires
BBC News
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Yolanda Saldívar denied parole 30 years after Selena murder conviction
The woman who murdered singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez was denied early release from prison in Texas on Thursday. Yolanda Saldívar was sentenced to life in prison for the 1995 murder of the Tejano singer who became a music icon in the US. When Saldívar was sentenced, she was given the possibility of parole after serving 30 years in prison. On Thursday, a three-person Texas parole board denied her request to be released early. Saldívar, who founded Selena's fan club, will be eligible again for early parole in March 2030. A jury convicted Saldívar of first-degree murder in 1995. She was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years - which arrived this the board said in a statement, continues to pose a threat to public safety. The nature of her crime showed "a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others".Saldívar was the founder and manager of the Tejano singer's fan club and managed the Selena's clothing boutiques, Selena Etc. On 31 March, 1995, Saldívar killed 23-year-old Selena at a hotel in Corpus Christi, shooting came after Saldívar was confronted by Selena's family for allegedly embezzling from the singer's fan club and clothing line. Saldívar reportedly went to the hotel after she was fired by the singer's family over the allegations. She went to Selena's motel room to reportedly pick up business records she needed to file taxes, according to the Associated Press. When Selena ran from the room, Saldívar shot the singer in the back. Selena rose to fame and won a Grammy in the early 1990s when Tejano music was booming. She was nicknamed "the Queen of Tejano" and her album Dreaming of You topped charts after it was released months after her death. As the BBC previously reported, those unfamiliar with Tejano (Mexican-American) music may never have heard of Selena, who was just hitting the US mainstream when she was for many Latina women, she is an inspiration - the first Tejano singer to debut at the top of the Billboard chart when her posthumous crossover album, Dreaming of You, was released in story was famously brought to life in the 1997 film Selena, which gave singer Jennifer Lopez her break-out acting role.
