Prison authorities deny parole to Yolanda Saldivar, Selena's killer

Yolanda Saldivar, convicted of murdering singer Selena Quintanilla 30 years ago, will remain in prison after Texas prison authorities denied her parole Thursday.

Selena, born in Texas and of Mexican roots, is considered an icon of Tex-Mex music. She died at age 23 after being shot in the back.

Saldivar, who was president of her fan club, was sentenced to life imprisonment for her death, but became eligible to apply for release three decades after the crime.

"The record indicates the instant offense has 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," the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles said in a release.

Selena's family and her widower Chris Perez celebrated the news.

"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 said in a statement.

Selena's murder

Selena died on March 31, 1995, shot by Saldívar, after meeting her at a motel in the city of Corpus Christi. Saldívar, now 64 years old, claimed it was an accident.

According to the prosecution, Saldívar summoned Selena for a conciliation, after the singer decided to fire her from the position of manager of her clothing store. Employees of the motel said they saw Saldívar chase her and insult her.

Selena was consecrated with hits such as Amor Prohibido, El Chico del Apartamento 512, Bidi bidi bom bom and Como la Flor.