Friends Honor Slain Fire Captain As Hunt For Killer Continues

A sea of gleaming chrome lined the streets of Hillcrest in San Deigo on Sunday as friends, family, and fellow motorcycle riders gathered to honor the memory of Cal Fire Captain Rebecca “Becky” Marodi. Known as “Beck” to her motorcycle friends, Marodi was more than just a fire captain—she was a fearless rider, a dedicated mentor, and a loyal friend.

One month after her tragic murder in her Ramona home, over 50 motorcyclists embarked on a memorial ride to celebrate her life. Riders from Hillcrest, Ramona, and Temecula converged at one of Marodi’s favorite spots—Josie’s Hideout in Santa Ysabel. The event, filled with both grief and gratitude, served as a tribute to the woman whose laughter and leadership left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ and biker communities alike.

Among those leading the ride was Ami Mahler Salinas Davis, Marodi’s longtime riding companion and close friend. She had the honor—and the heartache—of riding Marodi’s prized Harley Davidson Road Glide.

Related: California Fire Captain Found Stabbed To Death—Wife Named As Suspect

“This whole time, I’ve felt her,” Davis said, according to NBC7. “I’ve felt her at the house. I’ve felt her everywhere with her arm around me.”

Fran George, who rode alongside Marodi for nearly 14 years, echoed the sentiment. “You get those friendships that just click—that was Beck,” she said.

Marodi dedicated over three decades to Cal Fire, starting as a volunteer firefighter in Riverside County before climbing the ranks in San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Her promotion to captain in 2022 was a moment of pride for both her colleagues and those who had witnessed her relentless dedication.

Captain Erritt Hamilton of Santa Ysabel Fire, who had known Marodi for 30 years, recalled their last exchange. “I was so proud of her when she made captain. We did regularly text back, and I was actually supposed to meet her here at an event the day after Valentine’s Day. That’s the last time I talked to her,” Hamilton said, according to ABC10.

For many, the memorial ride was more than just a tribute—it was a way to process their grief.

“I’m sad that we’re having to do this ride. I’m angry that we’re having to do this ride. But I feel good about doing this ride,” George admitted. “Honoring Beck in this way is important—not just for us, but for the LGBTQ+ and motorcycle communities that she was such a big part of.”

Related: Chilling New Details Emerge In Murder Of Lesbian Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi As Manhunt Continues

In a particularly poignant moment, Marodi’s mother, Lorena, took a ride on her daughter’s bike around the block.

The search for Captain Marodi’s suspected killer remains ongoing. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for her wife, Yolanda Marodi, who is believed to have fled to Mexico.

While justice has yet to be served, those who knew Marodi best are determined to keep her memory alive.

“She would’ve been leading this ride,” Davis said. “Now, we have to do it for her.”

A fundraiser has been established to assist with funeral costs and to support Lorena Marodi, for whom Beck was a primary caretaker. The community’s outpouring of love is a testament to the legacy of a woman who spent her life in service—both on the fire lines and on the open road.