Brother of Selena’s Killer Claims Singer Wasn’t Intended Target

Armando Saldívar, the brother of convicted killer Yolanda Saldívar, claims there’s more to the story behind Selena Quintanilla-Perez’s death.

Speaking exclusively with Telemundo, Armando implied Selena’s 1995 shooting was actually an attack meant for Yolanda, and not the singer.

“The truth is that something happened here that was [meant] for Yolanda and not for Selena,” said Armando in Spanish at the 24-second mark in the video linked above.

When asked for more details, Armando refused to elaborate further but said, “If the public knew the truth, they wouldn’t like it.”

The “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” singer was shot and killed on March 31, 1995 at the Days Inn Motel in Corpus Christi, Texas by Yolanda, her former fan club president. She was 23 years old.

Yolanda, now 64, has maintained her innocence throughout the years and claimed Selena’s death was an accident and that she meant to take her own life instead.

Armando also recalled the emotional conversation he had with his sister on the day of the murder, where Yolanda held police in a nine-hour standoff in the motel’s parking lot before surrendering.

“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.”

“The truth is, it’s my opinion that Yolanda did not kill Selena,” Armando said further into the interview.

During Selena’s murder trial, the prosecution proved that the gun used to kill the singer couldn’t be fired accidentally because of its safety features, per an archived post from the Houston Chronicle. 

Yolanda was eligible for parole, but was denied last Thursday (March 27), just days for the 30th anniversary of Selena’s death. Officials from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles said the convicted killer “poses a continuing threat to public safety.”

“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,” read a statement from Selena’s estate and her widower, Chris Perez, following the decision. “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.”

Telemundo also reported that Armando Saldívar is in the process of gathering previously unseen evidence to help support his sister’s defense, who's next parole review is set for March 2030.

Armando Saldívar, the brother of convicted killer Yolanda Saldívar, claims there’s more to the story behind Selena Quintanilla-Perez’s death. Speaking exclusively with Telemundo, Armando implied Selena’s 1995 shooting was actually an attack meant for Yolanda, and not the singer.