The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department announced on Thursday that Yolanda Marodi, 53, is the primary suspect in the stabbing death of Cal Fire Captain Rebecca “Becky” Marodi in Ramona earlier this week. The incident took place at the couple’s home on Rancho Villa Road, where Rebecca was found with fatal stab wounds on Monday night.
Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olejniczak, has a troubling history; she previously served over a decade in prison for the voluntary manslaughter of her first husband, Jim Olejniczak, in 2000. The two had been married for just over two years at the time of Rebecca’s death, according to information from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.
As of now, Yolanda Marodi has not been arrested and her whereabouts are unknown. Law enforcement is actively seeking information on her location and is reportedly searching for her in Mexico. Carlos Zúñiga, a spokesperson for the Secretary of Citizen Security of Baja California, confirmed that coordination is underway with U.S. authorities to track down Marodi.
Court documents reveal that Yolanda Marodi pled guilty to manslaughter in 2003 stemming from the stabbing of her first husband. After serving over 13 years, she was paroled and completed her parole in 2015.
Investigators have labeled Rebecca Marodi’s death as an act of domestic violence, indicating that the suspect and victim were acquainted. A 911 call was made around 9 p.m. on Monday reporting an assault, but despite first responders’ attempts to resuscitate her, Rebecca was pronounced dead at the scene.
Community members are grappling with the tragic circumstances, with friends and colleagues expressing their disbelief. “It seems it was personal,” said Victoria Bradley, who knows Rebecca’s mother. “It’s just devastating, every parent’s worst nightmare.” Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Selegue also spoke of Rebecca’s legacy, highlighting her dedication to helping others in need.
Authorities continue to investigate the case and urge anyone with information regarding Yolanda Marodi’s whereabouts to contact the SDSO’s homicide investigators.
