California Fire Captain Found Stabbed To Death—Wife Named As Suspect
Rebecca Marodi, a decorated Cal Fire captain, was found stabbed to death in her home. Now her wife—who previously served time for manslaughter—is on the run.
Authorities are searching for Yolanda Marodi (left), after her wife, veteran Cal Fire captain Rebecca “Becky” Marodi (right), was found stabbed to death in their San Diego County home earlier this week. The shocking crime has left the firefighting community and loved ones reeling, with disturbing new details emerging about Marodi’s prior conviction for killing her husband in 2000.
Late Monday night, San Diego County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon at the couple’s Ramona residence. Upon arrival, they discovered 49-year-old Rebecca Marodi suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite emergency efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Thursday, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department identified Yolanda Marodi, 53, also known as Yolanda Olenjniczak, as the prime suspect. Reports now suggest she has fled to Mexico in an apparent effort to evade arrest, according to sources speaking to ABC News.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive, but Marodi’s ex-wife, Lilia Phleger, painted a picture of a toxic relationship riddled with jealousy. She told CBS News that the suspect was “very jealous” and “did not want to have Becky maintain the friendships she had for years with other women.”
This isn’t the first time Yolanda has been accused of stabbing a spouse to death. In 2004, she pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the killing of her then-husband, James Olenjniczak, who was found fatally stabbed in his Fontana home in October 2000. She was sentenced to 11 years in prison but ultimately served nearly 14 years due to additional time related to drug and alcohol use, per the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Rebecca Marodi dedicated her life to public service, spending over three decades with Cal Fire, where she rose through the ranks from a volunteer in 1993 to a respected captain in 2022. She was stationed in French Valley and played a critical role in combating the recent Eaton Fire in Los Angeles. She was reportedly planning to retire later this year.
Her colleagues and friends remember her as a mentor, a source of strength, and a woman with an infectious smile.
“She was always very positive. Always had a smile on her face. It didn’t matter what the situation was,” longtime colleague John Clingingsmith told ABC.
“Beyond her operational assignments, Captain Marodi was deeply involved in Peer Support and Hazmat, always prioritizing the well-being of her colleagues. Her legacy of mentorship, service and dedication will be felt for years to come. Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends and all who had the privilege of working alongside her,” Cal Fire said in a statement.
Authorities have not confirmed Yolanda’s exact whereabouts. She is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, with brown hair. Officials urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
