SAN DIEGO — In a shocking development, authorities have announced the arrest of Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi in Mexico, who is suspected of murdering her wife, Cal Fire Capt. Rebecca Marodi, found slain at their home on February 17.
Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi has been identified as the primary suspect in the stabbing death of the 49-year-old firefighter in Ramona, located near San Diego. Officials reported that she was apprehended at a hotel in Mexicali, just south of the U.S. border, over the weekend. She was subsequently handed over to U.S. marshals and returned to the United States.
As of now, it remains unclear if Olejniczak Marodi, 53, has secured legal representation. She is set to be booked into custody in San Diego, while the investigation into Rebecca Marodi’s tragic death continues.
The late Capt. Marodi was a distinguished member of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, recognized for her courageous service during significant wildfire efforts, including the Eaton fire in January. She and Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi had been married for just over two years.
Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi has a criminal history, having been previously convicted for the fatal stabbing of her first husband, James Joseph Olejniczak, in 2000. She pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and served nearly a decade in prison.
Following Rebecca Marodi’s death, Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi fled to Mexico the same night. Surveillance footage captured her arguing with Rebecca then physically assaulting her, before leaving the scene.
Disturbingly, home security footage recorded a harrowing moment where Rebecca pleaded for her life, crying out to Yolanda, “Please … ! I don’t want to die!” The footage later showed Olejniczak Marodi packing items into a vehicle that was seen crossing into Mexico shortly thereafter.
