Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, the wife of slain Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, has been arrested in Mexico and is now facing murder charges. This arrest comes after a tragic incident on February 17, when Rebecca was found fatally stabbed in their home in Ramona, California.
Authorities identified Yolanda, 53, as the primary suspect in the case about three weeks ago. She was taken into custody at a hotel in Mexicali on Saturday. Mexican security agents transferred her to U.S. marshals at the border, where she will be booked for murder.
Rebecca Marodi, 49, was a respected fire captain known for her bravery and dedication. She had been with Cal Fire for years and was a decorated veteran. Friends and family described her as a caring person who loved her job.
The couple had been married for just over two years. However, their relationship appeared to be troubled. Reports indicate that Rebecca had recently told Yolanda she wanted to end their marriage. Witnesses reported seeing the couple arguing on the night of the incident, with security footage capturing a violent confrontation.
In the video, a woman believed to be Rebecca can be heard pleading for her life, saying, "Yolanda! Please … ! I don’t want to die!" The footage also reportedly shows Yolanda with blood on her arms and holding a knife. After the incident, she was seen packing belongings into her vehicle before crossing the border into Mexico.
Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi has a criminal history. She was previously convicted of killing her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak, in 2000. She pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and served nearly ten years in prison.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Rebecca Marodi, a dedicated firefighter whose life was tragically cut short.