Billboard Women in Music 2025
In a shocking revelation, Armando Saldívar, the brother of Yolanda Saldívar, now claims that the 1995 murder of Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was unintentional. According to Armando, his sister actually wanted to commit suicide with the firearm used to kill Selena.
“The truth is that something happened here that was [meant] for Yolanda and not for Selena,” he stated during a recent interview with Telemundo. However, he declined to elaborate, adding, “If the public knew the truth, they wouldn’t like it.”
This supports Yolanda’s claim during her initial testimony that she intended to kill herself and that the gun misfired and hit the “Dreaming Of You” songstress, an argument the jury clearly didn’t believe.
Selena was shot and killed on March 31, 1995, at the Days Inn Motel in Corpus Christi, Texas, by Yolanda Saldívar, her former fan club president and boutique manager.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
After an intense, hours-long standoff with police, Yolanda was arrested and later convicted of Selena’s murder, receiving a life sentence with the possibility of parole.
Despite her eligibility for parole, Yolanda was denied release on March 27, just days before the 29th anniversary of Selena’s death. Following the ruling, Selena’s estate and her widower, Chris Pérez, issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to justice.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
During the Telemundo interview, Armando Saldívar recalled his conversation with Yolanda during the 1995 standoff, revealing that he urged her to surrender and not take her own life. “I did speak to her when she was in the truck,” he said.
“I told her, ‘Look, don’t do anything stupid. Don’t put the gun to your head. Do that for Dad and Mom. Don’t do it.’ And I cried, and cried, and cried. In my opinion, she wasn’t in her right mind—she was in a state of trauma.”
Arlene Richie/Getty Images
Despite Yolanda Saldívar’s conviction, Armando continues to defend his sister, expressing his belief that she is not responsible for Selena’s death. “The truth is, it’s my opinion that Yolanda did not kill Selena,” he told Telemundo.
These latest claims are likely to reignite discussions surrounding Selena’s tragic passing, though the official narrative remains unchanged.
Yolanda Saldívar remains behind bars, serving her life sentence, while Selena’s legacy continues to endure through her music and the millions of fans who keep her memory alive.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Leave a comment