History of Yolanda Saldívar in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 7, 2025

Yolanda Saldívar is known for murdering Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez on March 31, 1995. Saldívar, a former nurse, had risen to a position of trust as the president of Selena's fan club and manager of her boutiques. However, she was terminated from these roles shortly before the murder after Selena's family discovered that she had been embezzling funds from both the fan club and the boutiques, leading to a confrontation that resulted in Selena's death.

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Full Timeline

1993: Manager of Selena's Clothing Boutiques

In 1993, Yolanda Saldívar was promoted as manager of Selena's clothing boutiques, Selena Etc. The fan club reached 1,500 members, and eventually grew to over 5,000, becoming one of the largest in the San Antonio area.

March 31, 1995: Murder of Selena

On March 31, 1995, Yolanda Saldívar murdered Tejano singer Selena in Corpus Christi, Texas, after Selena's family discovered Saldívar had been embezzling money from Selena's fan club and boutiques.

October 23, 1995: Guilty Verdict

On October 23, 1995, jurors found Saldívar guilty of murder after deliberating for less than three hours.

November 22, 1995: Arrival at Gatesville Unit

On November 22, 1995, Saldívar arrived at the Gatesville Unit in Gatesville, Texas, to be processed after being found guilty of murder.

1995: Discovery of Embezzlement and Firing

In early 1995, Selena's family discovered that Saldívar had been embezzling money from the fan club and boutiques, leading to her firing in the first week of March. On March 31, 1995, Selena agreed to meet Saldívar to retrieve financial records.

2000: Petition Filed

In 2000, Saldívar claims a petition challenging her conviction was filed with the 214th District Court, but was never sent to the higher court.

2002: Destruction of Murder Weapon

In 2002, the revolver used to kill Selena was dismantled and the pieces were thrown into Corpus Christi Bay.

March 31, 2008: Request to Challenge Conviction

On March 31, 2008, the 13th anniversary of Selena's death, Saldívar's request was received to challenge her conviction, claiming a petition was filed in 2000 but never sent to the higher court.