Ever wondered what it takes for a convicted killer to claim the title of ‘political prisoner’? Yolanda Saldívar, infamous for her role in the tragic demise of Selena Quintanilla, is making waves as she pleads for parole under this controversial label. With claims that have raised eyebrows and sparked debates, Saldívar’s bid for freedom has taken an unexpected turn.
Yolanda Saldívar, the convicted killer of Selena Quintanilla, has made headlines by claiming she is a political prisoner. In her recent prison interview with Maria Celeste Arraras for the show “Al Rojo Vivo,” Saldívar expressed her belief that she is unjustly serving a life sentence and should be granted parole. She emphasized feeling like a prisoner due to being isolated from the public and receiving hate mail. Despite this, she maintains that she has changed during her time in jail, showing remorse for her actions.
Saldívar argues that there have been inaccuracies in how her case was handled and believes she deserves another chance at freedom. Her claim as a political prisoner stems from what she perceives as unfair treatment within the justice system. Although many may find it hard to sympathize with someone who took another person’s life, Saldívar insists on pleading for parole, citing personal growth and reflection during her incarceration.
“Enough is enough,” a relative of Saldívar told the Post. “She feels like she’s a political prisoner at this point.”
The relative added, “She’s ready to get out of jail, because she believes she has more than served her time.”
The convicted murderer echoed similar claims about her innocence and unfair trial in the recently released documentary, Selena and Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them.
“I was convicted by public opinion even before my trial started,” Saldívar said before professing her innocence during a prison interview.
Selena was killed during a confrontation with Saldívar at a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas on March 31, 1995. The Tejano singer allegedly suspected she embezzled over $60,000 from her and was planned on firing her; however, she was shot in the back. Selena was rushed to a local hospital where she died of blood loss.
At her trial, Saldívar claimed that the fatal shooting was accidental — and said she had intended to kill herself. A Texas jury eventually found her guilty and sentenced Saldívar to life behind bars with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
Now, Saldívar insists that she did not embezzle any funds from Selena. Despite acknowledging in the documentary that she wrote and signed checks to herself, she claimed she did so at Selena’s request.
Saldívar alleged the requests were so the Tejano singer could purchase a plane ticket to Mexico to visit a plastic surgeon whom she was allegedly having an affair with.
According to a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Saldívar has a clean record behind bars and no infractions that would prevent her from appearing before a parole board in March 2025. The convicted murderer allegedly fears for her safety if she’s granted release.
Nonetheless, her relative said she’s hopeful that she will be released.
“She knows it’s an uphill battle,” the family member said of Saldívar’s release. “But she’s hoping that the parole board will have a heart and will parole her. She thinks she deserves it.”
The saga of Selena’s legacy and Saldivar’s parole plea continues to captivate and spark debates, showcasing how truth can be stranger than fiction. In a world where reality TV meets real-life drama, the story of Selena and Yolanda serves as a cautionary tale of fame, betrayal, and the quest for redemption.
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