Yolanda Marodi Arrested In Mexico For Murder Of Fire Captain Wife

After more than a month on the run, Yolanda Marodi (L), the woman accused of brutally killing her wife, California Fire Captain Rebecca “Becky” Marodi (R), has been arrested in Mexico. Authorities captured Marodi at a hotel in Mexicali, just a few miles from the U.S. border, and handed her over to U.S. officials.

Rebecca Marodi, a 49-year-old fire captain with over three decades of service, was found stabbed to death at the couple’s home in Ramona, California, on February 17. The horrifying attack was partially caught on home security footage, which recorded Rebecca pleading for her life.

Rebecca’s mother, who lived with the couple, called 911 after hearing the attack via the live Ring camera feed. Despite the swift arrival of first responders, Rebecca was declared dead at the scene with multiple stab wounds, including severe injuries to her neck, chest, and abdomen.

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Immediately after the murder, Yolanda Marodi was seen on security footage changing clothes, loading luggage and pets into her silver Chevrolet Equinox, and fleeing the scene. That same night, she crossed into Mexico, initiating a month-long international manhunt led by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and U.S. Marshals.

Authorities in Baja California worked closely with their American counterparts to track Marodi down. On March 23, Mexican law enforcement located her at a hotel in Mexicali and transferred her into U.S. custody at a nearby port of entry. She now faces murder charges in California.

This isn’t the first time Yolanda Marodi has been accused of killing a spouse. In 2003, she pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for fatally stabbing her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak, in San Bernardino County. She served over 13 years in prison before being released in 2013.

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According to Rebecca’s ex-wife, Lilia Phleger, Yolanda displayed controlling and jealous behavior in relationships. “It was a typical toxic relationship,” Phleger told CBS News. “Yolanda was very jealous and did not want Becky to maintain friendships with other women.”

In addition to being a decorated firefighter, Rebecca Marodi was a mentor, a leader, and a beloved member of her community. She began her career as a volunteer firefighter in 1993 and worked her way through the ranks, becoming a captain in 2022. She was stationed at various firehouses across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, dedicating her life to protecting others.

As the legal process unfolds, Rebecca Marodi’s colleagues, friends, and loved ones continue to mourn her loss. “Becky was a beloved member of our community and Department, and we miss her greatly,” Cal Fire officials said in a statement following Yolanda’s capture.