A recent docuseries titled “Killer of Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them” is reigniting discussions about the tragic murder of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla nearly 30 years ago. However, the documentary is facing backlash from both Selena’s family and devoted fans.
The series delves into the circumstances surrounding Selena’s untimely death, reopening old wounds and sparking outrage among those who hold the late singer dear. The controversy revolves around the sensitive nature of the topic, with concerns raised about the impact on Selena’s legacy and the emotions of her grieving family and fanbase.
Controversial Docuseries Sparks Dispute Over Killer of Selena Quintanilla’s Murder
A new two-part docuseries titled “Killer of Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them” is causing a stir among fans and the family of Mexican American singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez. The series, set to premiere on Oxygen this Saturday, includes in-depth interviews with Yolanda Saldívar, the convicted murderer of Selena, who is currently serving a life sentence.
Owned by NBCUniversal, Oxygen is the platform airing the series, which presents Saldívar’s perspective from prison. Saldívar was found guilty of first-degree murder in 1995. Despite an unsuccessful appeal in 1998, she is expected to be eligible for parole next year, as reported by NBC News in the past. The documentary’s release has reignited discussions about the tragic events and is sparking controversy over the decision to provide a platform for Saldívar’s narrative.
The contentious assertions made by Yolanda Saldívar in Selena Documents
The new docuseries, “Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them,” features Yolanda Saldívar’s surprising statements regarding the tragic day at a Corpus Christi, Texas motel when Selena Quintanilla Pérez lost her life. Saldívar, who previously managed Selena’s fan club and clothing boutiques, denies intentionally killing the singer and refutes allegations of embezzlement.
Instead, Saldívar presents a different narrative, asserting that Selena had an extramarital affair. According to her, Selena asked Saldívar to make secret purchases to conceal the affair, claiming she was repaying herself. Saldívar contends that Selena was aware of these transactions. However, in the docuseries, she provides no supporting evidence for these claims.
In a preview clip for the show, Saldívar states, “After so many years, I think it’s time to set the story straight. I knew her secrets. And I think that people deserve to know the truth.”
Selena, a rising star and influential Latina crossover artist, was only 23 when she was tragically killed. Her achievements include multiple Tejano Music Awards, five No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks chart, and a Grammy Award in 1994. The 1997 movie starring Jennifer Lopez and her posthumous recognition with the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 reflect the enduring impact of her life and legacy.
Yolanda Saldívar’s Defense and Chris Pérez’s Testimony
Yolanda Saldívar, addressing her portrayal as a “monster,” emphatically denies intentionally causing Selena Quintanilla’s death, asserting that it was an accidental incident and that her conscience is clear.
During an interview, Saldívar claims that a dispute with Selena at the Days Inn motel escalated. In a heated moment, she alleges putting a gun to her own head in a threatening manner, and in a moment of chaos, inadvertently shot Selena while waving the gun toward the door.
In a related development, Selena’s widower, Chris Pérez, testified in court that he and Selena had removed Saldívar from the singer’s checking accounts two weeks before her tragic death due to a lack of trust. This information is documented in a court record from the Texas Court of Appeals in 1998, during Saldívar’s unsuccessful appeal of her murder conviction.
Witness Accounts and Selena’s Identification in Motel Shooting
The court decision upholding killer of Selena conviction revealed that multiple witnesses observed a distressing scene at the motel. According to these accounts, Selena was seen running into the motel lobby with Saldívar in pursuit, brandishing a gun. This information is detailed in the appeals court’s decision.
In the motel lobby, Selena collapsed, and in a critical moment, she managed to identify Saldívar as the person responsible for shooting her before losing consciousness. This account of events is outlined in the Texas appeals court document, providing crucial details about the tragic incident.
Selena’s Family Criticizes Docuseries and Fans Disapprove of Timing
Ahead of the docuseries release, Selena’s family expressed strong disapproval, slamming the production for providing Yolanda Saldívar a platform. Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Selena’s father, told TMZ, “No one’s gonna believe what she has to say anyway. Everyone knows there’s zero truth to anything that comes out of her mouth.”
Despite attempts to contact Selena’s family for comments on Saldívar’s claims, there has been no response from the family or their spokesperson.
Fans have also voiced criticism, particularly questioning the timing of the series, set to air just a month before the 29th anniversary of Selena’s death. The two-part series features interviews with various individuals, including the hostage negotiator, police detectives, prosecutors, and journalists involved in the aftermath of Selena’s tragic shooting. Oxygen network has stated that those associated with the project will not be available for interviews.
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