Suspect in Fire Captain Murder Arrested in Mexico
A woman wanted in connection to the fatal stabbing of her wife, a respected fire captain, has been apprehended in Mexico after a month-long search.
Capture in Mexicali
Yolanda Marodi, 53, also known as Yolanda Olenjniczak, was taken into custody by Mexican authorities on Saturday. She was found near a hotel in the Ferrocarril neighborhood of Mexicali, Baja California. At the time of her arrest, she was reportedly still wearing pajamas.
Marodi is the primary suspect in the death of Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, a Captain with Cal Fire. She was detained after being identified in the vicinity of the hotel.
Following confirmation of her identity and an active arrest warrant, Marodi was turned over to U.S. authorities for extradition.
Details of the Ramona Stabbing Incident
The incident occurred on February 17 in Ramona, San Diego County, California. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon.
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Upon arrival, they discovered Rebecca Marodi, 49, deceased in her residence. The fire captain had sustained multiple stab wounds and was unresponsive.
Despite immediate efforts by deputies and Cal Fire paramedics, colleagues of the victim, Rebecca Marodi was pronounced dead at the scene.
Yolanda Marodi, 53, was arrested near a hotel in Mexicali, Baja California, by Mexican authorities.
Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, 49, was found dead in her Ramona, California, home. Yolanda Marodi is suspected in her murder.
Law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border sought Yolanda Olenjniczak in connection to Rebecca Marodi’s murder.
Domestic Dispute and Security Footage
Investigators revealed that the suspect was not an intruder but the victim’s wife. The couple had been married for just over two years.
Security system recordings from their home captured the final moments of Captain Marodi’s life, exposing a tumultuous relationship.
According to an arrest warrant, the security footage from the evening of the murder detailed a confrontation.
Around 8 pm, video evidence allegedly shows Olenjniczak pursuing her wife across their patio. Audio recordings from the same time captured a woman, believed to be Rebecca Marodi, pleading, “Yolanda! Please… I don’t want to die.”
Olenjniczak is alleged to have responded, “You should have thought about that before.”
Video footage reportedly depicts Olenjniczak standing over Rebecca Marodi with a knife and blood on her arms.
Shortly after, the footage shows her gathering pets, loading luggage, and leaving in a silver Chevrolet Equinox.
Past Conviction
Further investigation into Olenjniczak’s history uncovered a disturbing pattern.
California Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, honored for her 30 years of service, was stabbed to death in her home.
Rebecca Marodi, a Cal Fire veteran, was approaching retirement.
Yolanda Marodi previously served time in jail for the manslaughter of her ex-husband in 2000.
Police allege Yolanda Marodi stabbed Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi at their Ramona residence.
The Ramona, California, home where Rebecca ‘Becky’ Marodi was murdered.
Yolanda Marodi, left, was previously incarcerated for fatally stabbing her former husband, James J. Olejniczak Jr.
In 2004, Olenjniczak was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for the fatal stabbing of her then-husband. She served 11 years in prison for the crime.
Now, over two decades later, she faces accusations of another deadly stabbing.
Confession via Text Message
Three days after Rebecca Marodi’s death, Olenjniczak reportedly sent a text message to an acquaintance admitting to a confrontation.
The message stated, “Becky came home and told me she was leaving me. She met someone else… We had a big fight, and I hurt her… I’m sorry,” according to the arrest warrant.
Tribute to Captain Rebecca Marodi
Captain Rebecca Marodi was a respected figure in the California firefighting community, with over 30 years of service to Cal Fire, primarily in Riverside County.
Starting as a volunteer in Moreno Valley, she progressed through the ranks, earning admiration and lasting friendships.
Rebecca Marodi, a 30-year veteran of Cal Fire, participated in battling the Eaton Fire.
Rebecca Marodi’s firefighter colleagues carried her casket draped with a flag from her home.
She recently participated in combating the Eaton Fire during January’s wildfires and was planning her retirement.
Cal Fire issued a statement saying, “The tragic loss of Captain Marodi is mourned by her family, friends, and her Cal Fire family.”
John Clingingsmith, Cal Fire Riverside County public information officer and a longtime friend, remembered her fondly.
“She was always very positive,” he said. “Always had a smile on her face, regardless of the situation.”
He added, “Her smile, her laugh, and her unwavering support are what everyone remembers most.”