Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 54, has pleaded guilty to second‑degree murder in the Feb. 17, 2025 stabbing death of her spouse, Cal Fire Captain Rebecca "Becky" Marodi, 49. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Rebecca fleeing the house while Marodi pursued her, and investigators say Rebecca suffered multiple stab wounds. Marodi admitted a prior serious felony conviction for a 2000 fatal stabbing and was arrested in Mexicali before being returned to U.S. custody. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 2.
Cal Fire Captain’s Wife Pleads Guilty To Second‑Degree Murder After Arrest In Mexico
Rebecca Marodi
Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 54, pleaded guilty to second‑degree murder Tuesday in the killing of her spouse, Cal Fire Captain Rebecca "Becky" Marodi, 49. Rebecca was found fatally stabbed at the couple’s Ramona home on Feb. 17, 2025.
Authorities found Rebecca Marodi with multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
When asked how she pleaded to count one — second‑degree murder — Marodi responded, "Guilty." Prosecutors say Rebecca suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck, chest and back and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The wife of California Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi pleaded guilty to her murder.
Evidence and Flight
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage that reportedly shows Rebecca fleeing the house while Yolanda Marodi pursued her. Authorities say Marodi left the area after the attack and later crossed into Mexico, where she remained for more than a month before her arrest in Mexicali.
U.S. Marshals take the suspect in the Cal Fire captain's death, Yolanda Marodi, into custody at Calexico West U.S. Port of Entry.
U.S. Marshals took custody of Marodi at the Calexico West port of entry and returned her to the United States to face charges.
Prior Conviction Admitted
As part of her plea, Marodi acknowledged a prior serious felony conviction stemming from the 2000 fatal stabbing of her then‑husband, James Joseph Olejniczak. She pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2003 and was released from custody in 2013, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Marodi had initially pleaded not guilty to Rebecca’s murder before changing her plea to guilty on the second‑degree murder charge. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 2.
Victim’s Service and Community Reaction
Rebecca Marodi served more than 30 years with Cal Fire, primarily in Riverside County, beginning as a volunteer in Moreno Valley. Officials said she most recently helped fight the Eaton Fire. Cal Fire Riverside described her death as a "profound loss," praising her legacy of mentorship, service and dedication.
Note: Reporting on the case included contributions from multiple local and national outlets. The plea resolves a high‑profile criminal case that has drawn attention because of the victim’s long career in public service and the defendant’s prior homicide conviction.
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