San Diego, California  – The suspect in the deadly stabbing of Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi pleaded not guilty to murder charges on Wednesday in her first court appearance since being apprehended in Mexico, ending a month-long international manhunt.
Yolanda Olejniczak, also identified by law enforcement as Yolanda Marodi, appeared before a San Diego County court via video conference from a hospital bed, where she has remained since her extradition from Mexico on Saturday. The 53-year-old was admitted for medical treatment upon her return to the U.S., though officials have not disclosed details regarding her condition.
During the hearing, the presiding judge denied a request by Olejniczak’s public defender to consider bail or conditional release, citing the “extreme violence” of the crime. Court records indicate that Marodi, 49, was found in their Ramona home in mid-February with over 30 stab wounds. Ring camera footage reportedly captured Marodi pleading for her life during the attack.
The judge also referenced Olejniczak’s prior conviction for voluntary manslaughter in the fatal stabbing of her estranged husband in the early 2000s. Authorities believe that Marodi had informed Olejniczak of her intention to end their two-year marriage just a week before the fatal attack.
“All of those facts demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that no less restrictive condition than detention could protect public safety and ensure her appearance in court,” the judge stated.
Olejniczak is scheduled to return to court for a bail review and status conference on April 28, with a preliminary hearing set for June 24. If convicted, she faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Marodi’s murder has deeply impacted her loved ones and the Cal Fire community. Friends and family have vowed to follow every step of the legal proceedings.
“Becky meant so much to so many, and I can’t just leave it,” said Fran George, a friend of Marodi’s from her motorcycle riding group. “I just want to know that she’s being held accountable. I want her to know Becky was not alone.”
Prosecutors continue to investigate aspects of the case, with Deputy District Attorney Mara Duffy acknowledging its tragic connection to domestic violence.
“This is a very tragic case of intimate partner violence,” Duffy said. “The victim was a beloved member of the Cal Fire community, and I know this loss is being felt in that community.”
Following the hearing, San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies involved in the case and emphasized the availability of resources for domestic violence victims.
“Rebecca Marodi was a beloved Fire Captain who devoted her life to protecting others,” Stephan stated. “This intimate partner homicide is a reminder that there are resources out there for individuals who are in fear for their safety.”
Authorities tracked Olejniczak to Mexicali, Mexico, where she was arrested near a hotel more than a month after the attack. She was handed over to U.S. Marshals for extradition after her identity was confirmed. Investigators continue to gather evidence as the case moves toward trial.
