Deputy District Attorney Maura Duffey speaks to reporters after the arraignment of Yolanda Marodi.

DA Files Murder Charge in Stabbing Death of Cal Fire Captain

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan today announced the arraignment of Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 53, in connection with the stabbing death of her spouse, Rebecca Marodi, 49, a Cal Fire Captain. Olejniczak Marodi is charged with murder and pleaded not guilty at today’s hearing. She is being held without bail and if convicted faces 25 years-to-life in prison.  

Mexican authorities arrested the defendant last Sunday near a hotel in the Ferrocarril neighborhood of Mexicali after a binational five-week search. She was successfully handed over to U.S. Marshals and returned to San Diego County to face charges. 

The victim was employed at Cal Fire for more than 30 years. The pair had been married for about two years. On February 17, shortly before 9:00 p.m., San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the couple’s Ramona home. Marodi had suffered multiple stab wounds and died at the scene.  

“I want to thank the Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation and law enforcement on both sides of the border for locating and arresting this dangerous defendant so she could be returned to San Diego and face justice for this deadly crime,” said DA Stephan. “Rebecca Marodi was a beloved Fire Captain who devoted her life to protecting others, including recently battling the Eaton fire near Los Angeles and the capture of her killer will begin the court process with today’s arraignment. When the U.S. Marshals’ San Diego Fugitive Task force is looking for violent criminals, they can run but they can’t hide as we saw in this case.  This intimate partner homicide is a reminder that there are resources out there for individuals who are in fear for their safety.” 

In 2023, there were five domestic violence homicide victims of which the suspect was a current or former intimate partner, a 50% decrease from 2022. Statistics for 2024 are still being compiled. 

The District Attorney provides domestic violence and other services at no cost at One Safe Place:  The North County Family Justice Center. Assistance is also available by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788. 

A status conference and bail review hearing is set for April 28, and a preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for June 24. Deputy District Attorney Maura Duffey is prosecuting this case. 

DA Supports Assembly Bills to Improve Public Safety

DA Summer Stephan announced that her office is supporting two important Assembly Bills that will improve public safety:
•Assembly Bill 237 by Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel – Aims to close a loophole that complicated prosecution of criminal threats. This bill will clarify that it is criminal to threat to commit a crime at a daycare, school, university, workplace, house of worship, medical facility, or public venue with reckless disregard for safety. This bill uses the definition of “reckless disregard” defined in Counterman v. Colorado (2023), which constitutes a threat not protected by the 1st Amendment.
•Assembly Bill 358 by Assemblymember David Alvarez – Seeks to protect victims of stalking and domestic abuse by enhancing law enforcement’s ability to access electronic devices found in victim’s private space. The bill amends California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (CalECPA) to allow law enforcement, with the consent of an individual who finds a recording or tracking device in a space where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., their home or vehicle), to access the device.
Watch videos of the news conferences below:

DA’s One Safe Place honored with SMILE Award

At their regular Tuesday meeting on March 11, the San Marcos City Council presented the San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) award to One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center – an organization that provides services at no cost to survivors of abuse and trauma within the local community and North County region.

Mayor Rebecca Jones proudly presented the award to San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, San Diego County Chief Deputy District Attorney Tracy Prior, One Safe Place Executive Director Claudia Grasso, One Safe Place Assistant Executive Director Taraneh Sarebanha and other staff for providing hope, healing and justice to individuals seeking support at One Safe Place.

“As a staunch advocate for community safety, it is a pleasure to shed light on the phenomenal services One Safe Place provides for those in San Marcos and neighboring areas” shared Mayor Rebecca Jones. “From therapy to preparing a safety plan to workforce support, their collective services support our brave community to break through cycles of abuse and inspire self-resilience.” 

The work at One Safe Place transforms the lives of victims each day. One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center SMILE Award recipient for March 2025

“Our passionate staff at One Safe Place saves lives every day and gives hope to those who have lost it,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “We greatly value the City of San Marcos’ partnership and are honored by this award. We are continuously improving the services we offer to the community by consistently evaluating what works and what does not for those who come to One Safe Place to seek critical support.” 

Since opening its doors on July 5, 2022, One Safe Place has served more than 7,000 people – 50% of whom have returned for additional support. One Safe Place provides a variety of services under one roof to anyone who has experienced child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crime, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, family violence, or other abuse or victimization.

Through its 108 community partnerships, the organization offers supportive services, including:

  • Trauma treatment
  • Safe housing assistance
  • Crisis response
  • Child advocacy
  • Education
  • Legal assistance
  • Empowerment skills
  • Thriver skills/workforce readiness

“One Safe Place embodies the City’s spirit of service every time they lend a healing hand to our vulnerable community members,” said Mayor Jones. “It’s inspiring to see how One Safe Place compassionately empowers community members to rebuild their future, one day at a time.” 

The organization is currently expanding  to provide additional services that will be available soon. One Safe Place will open a second location in South County later this year to grow its services and support.

“For those experiencing any form of abuse, we want them to know that they are not alone, that they matter, and that they can get the wrap-around services they need to grow from victim to survivor to thriver,” Stephan said.  

For more information, visit onesafeplacenorth.org. If you or someone you know is in need of services, please call 760-290-3690 or email gethope@onesafeplacenorth.org.

 

About the San Marcos City Council’s Civic SMILE Award

There are often community members who rise to the top – clearly reflecting the San Marcos ‘Spirit of Service.’ That’s why San Marcos City Council members initiated the Civic SMILE Award recognition program in March 2021.

Five times each year, a community member is chosen by a specific City Council member to receive recognition and be presented with a San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) Award during a City Council meeting.

For more information about the recognition program, visit San Marcos Civic SMILE Award.

American Bar Association Honors Assistant DA Woodley with Prestigious Award

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Dwain Woodley, the Assistant District Attorney, was honored Friday with the American Bar Association Justice Section Curtin-Maleng Minister of Justice Award at a ceremony during the Criminal Justice Section Spring Meeting in Miami, Florida.

The Curtin-Maleng Award is bestowed on a prosecutor who embodies the principles enunciated in the ABA Standards for Criminal Justice, Prosecution Function, particularly that “the duty of the prosecutor is to seek justice, not merely to convict.”

Woodley was recognized because his continued and tireless work exemplifies three important principles: the prosecutor’s obligation to protect the innocent as well as to convict the guilty; the prosecutor must guard the rights of the accused as well as enforce the rights of the public; and the prosecutor’s commitment to the legal and ethical standards must be unwavering.

“Assistant District Attorney Dwain Woodley epitomizes the principles of integrity that every prosecutor should aspire to. He treats everyone with dignity and respect, leads with the clarity of purpose that justice demands and gives voice to the People of San Diego County. He has worked tirelessly to deliver fair and equal justice for all, protect victims of crime, build trust with the public and develop direct access to our office for all the communities we serve,” DA Stephan said. “I am proud to work alongside ADA Woodley to lead the fifth largest District Attorney’s Office in the nation and continue to build a model prosecutor’s office that balances the rights of victims, the rights of the accused and the right of the community to be safe.”

Assistant DA Woodley helped develop and lead the DA’s Community Partnership Prosecutors program which has been especially successful connecting the public with much-needed services around domestic violence, child abuse and hate crimes. He also works with the advocacy organization “For the People” on reviewing cases that might qualify for prosecutor-initiated resentencings.

A former public defender, Woodley joined the DA’s Office as a Deputy DA in 2001. He began his management track in 2008 serving as Assistant Chief of Central Pretrial and Disposition Division, Assistant Chief of Superior Court Division, Chief of Superior Court Division, Chief of the Juvenile Branch, and Chief of the South Bay Branch. In 2018, DA Stephan named Woodley Chief Deputy DA and in 2021 he was selected as the Assistant District Attorney.

Woodley served honorably in the United States Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 1989-1995, where he was both a prosecutor and defense counsel. His last assignment in the military was a staff attorney for Office of General Counsel at the National Security Agency. He then served as a San Diego Deputy Public Defender before joining the District Attorney’s Office in 2001.

Woodley grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College) and University of Maryland Law School and completed the Prosecutors for Now course at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

DA Kicks Off National Consumer Protection Week with Renewed Commitment to Fighting Fraud

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan kicked off National Consumer Protection Week today by highlighting ongoing efforts to protect our community from fraud, scams, and deceptive business practices. This annual event, observed March 2 to 8, serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer education and enforcement actions to safeguard the community.

The DA’s Economic Crimes Division investigates and prosecutes fraud and unlawful business practices in the marketplace. The Consumer Protection Unit, a section in the Economic Crimes Division, is a team of experienced attorneys, investigators, and other professional staff who investigate and evaluate reports of fraudulent and unfair business practices and determines appropriate action.

Last year, the Consumer Protection Unit filed several civil actions related to unfair or deceptive business practices that netted a total of $14,652,500 in statewide civil judgments. The cases involved illegal automatic renewals, improper pricing policies and pricing inaccuracies. Companies that reached settlements with the DA’s Office include Thrive Market Technologies; Albertsons, Vons, and Safeway grocery stores; Travelers Insurance and Lamps Plus.

“The civil actions we file protect the consumer and hold corporations accountable when they fail to follow the laws in place to ensure the public is getting accurate and fair pricing information on products they purchase and companies aren’t using fine print to trigger costly automatic renewals that take advantage of unsuspecting consumers,” said DA Stephan. “By joining forces with other District Attorney Offices in the state, our combined efforts are protecting Californians up and down the state.”

As part of the week’s events, the DA’s Office will be participating in a National Consumer Protection Fair on March 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the County Operations Center, located at 5520 Overland Avenue. The fair is being hosted by the County’s Agriculture, Weights and Measures Department and will include a number of representatives from the county’s Consumer Protection Task Force. The annual fair will be the first one held since it was stopped during the Covid pandemic.

Consumer protection cases are developed in several ways, including information from law enforcement and regulatory agency investigations, referrals from consumer protection prosecutors in other areas of California, and complaints from the citizens of San Diego through our Consumer Complaint Form process. The DA’s office is committed to supporting the San Diego community and providing a means of reporting individuals and businesses engaged in unlawful business practices.

Residents are encouraged to follow the DA’s Office on social media for information and updates on consumer protection efforts. For more information on consumer protection resources and how to report fraud, visit the DA’s website.

Meet Deputy DA Taylor Morrison

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Taylor Morrison, who has been with the DA’s Office for the past 10 years. She joined us in 2015 as a Certified Legal Intern, progressed to a Graduate Law Clerk, and then was hired officially as a Deputy DA in 2018. Taylor is currently assigned to the Economic Crimes Division where she practices a niche area of the law – civil asset forfeiture. As the sole DDA assigned to the unit, she manages over 150 cases that are in active civil litigation where she handles all aspects of civil filings and civil discovery. She also trains local law enforcement officers and other District Attorney offices on the intricacies of asset forfeiture, helping them implement it effectively in their jurisdictions.

Taylor is also the incoming President of the California Western School of Law Alumni Board, making history as the first Black woman to hold the position in the school’s 100-year history. Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?

“I am the daughter and granddaughter of public servants, the sister of a corrections officer, and the wife of a police officer. My path to public service was deeply influenced by my upbringing and values. I chose a career in prosecution because I wanted to help enforce the law but do so with compassion.”

Why is Black History Month important to you?

“As a career prosecutor and lifelong public servant, I see this month as not just a celebration, but a call to action—a reminder to inspire myself and others to make a meaningful impact on Black History in real time, through service and advocacy.”

Meet Deputy DA Frederick Washington

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Frederick Washington, who has been working at the DA’s office for the past six years, although he has served as a prosecutor for a total of 10 years. Frederick is currently assigned to the Family Protection Unit, where his caseload includes domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and internet crimes against children. Read more about what inspired him to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?

“I chose a career in public service because I think being a prosecutor is one of the most fulfilling jobs there is. Taken to its simplest point, our primary goal is merely to do good, and that pursuit is incredibly rewarding.” 

What does African American History Month/Black History Month mean to you/why is it important?

“African American history is a vital part of American history and the recognition the month provides allows for stories and people, that may be relatively unknown, to be spotlighted and celebrated.”

Brenda Spencer Denied Parole

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today the woman who opened fire on a San Diego elementary school as a teen in 1979, killing two people and injuring nine others, has been denied parole following the strong objection of prosecutors. The decision to deny release for Brenda Spencer, 62, came after a Board of Parole hearing which included three victim statements and input from the District Attorney’s Office. During its deliberation, the Board considered Elder and Youthful Parole Laws when reaching its decision.

“The shock of this brazen crime rippled through the community in San Diego at the time and it continues to hold a place of infamy in the history of mass shootings in our nation,” said DA Stephan. “ While new laws are in place that can potentially speed up releases for individuals who were convicted as minors, as well as inmates who are over 50 years old, our position is that the totality of the horrific circumstances of this crime and this case do not warrant release and we are gratified that the Parole Board agreed with our position.” 

On the morning of Monday, January 29, 1979, Spencer began shooting from her house at children waiting for 53-year-old Principal Burton Wragg to open the gates to Grover Cleveland Elementary School. She injured eight children. She began with nine-year-old Cam Miller, since he was wearing Spencer’s favorite color, blue. Spencer shot and killed Wragg as he and teacher Daryl Barnes tried to help children. She also killed 56-year-old custodian Mike Suchar as he tried to pull a student to safety. A 28-year-old police officer, Robert Robb, had responded to a call for assistance during the incident, where he was wounded in the neck as he arrived.

After firing thirty-six times, Spencer barricaded herself inside her home for several hours. While there, she spoke by telephone to a reporter. Spencer told the reporter she had shot at the school children and adults because, “I don’t like Mondays. This livens up the day.”

Spencer was charged as an adult. She pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. On April 4, 1980, a day after her 18th birthday, she was sentenced to concurrent terms of 25 years-to-life in prison. Under the terms of her sentencing, Spencer became eligible for hearings to consider her suitability for parole in 1993.

Spencer has been denied parole in 1993, 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2022. She is currently imprisoned at California Institution for Women in Chino. Spencer is often regarded as the first modern high-profile school shooter. She is eligible for parole again in 2028.

The DA’s Lifer Unit is responsible for handling parole hearings for inmates serving life sentences in California state prisons. The unit’s main role is to represent the interests of victims, their families, and public safety by advocating against the release of dangerous offenders when appropriate.

Meet DA Investigator Tony La Dell

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet District Attorney Investigator Tony La Dell, who has been at the DA’s Office for five years. He is currently assigned to One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center, where he works with 120 partner agencies to support victims of crimes. His job includes safety planning for victims, firearms recovery and other investigations, maintaining the overall security of the office, and developing policies and procedures for One Safe Place. Read more about what inspired him to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?

“I chose a career in public service because I wanted to have a direct, positive impact on the lives of others. I also knew, based on my skill set and having participated in sports all my life, I had the tools to potentially be the kind of police officer who would contribute positively to the community. By contributing positively to the community that improves people’s well-being, I felt like I would be doing something meaningful with my life. I also had some great mentors, starting with my late father, who served in the Korean conflict and was wounded in combat, and my childhood wrestling coaches who were both former police officers.

Prior to joining the DA’s office, I was a police officer with the San Diego Police Department and then the Department of Justice for a combined 35 years. I thought I was ready for retirement but realized I had more to offer in public service, landing the perfect position at One Safe Place to finish my law enforcement career helping victims of crimes!”

Why is Black History Month important to you?

“Black History Month means looking back at the impact Black pioneers and leaders have had on our community, organizations, and cities. It means celebrating and honoring the legacy these pioneers and leaders have laid for future generations to follow. It means supporting the advancement of the Black community amidst the racial injustices that continue to happen throughout the U.S. today. It means educating myself further and honoring the fact that we would not be where we are today without the innovative contributions these Black leaders and pioneers have made — and to remind myself daily that Black history cannot be contained to a single month but should be celebrated and remembered year-round.”

Meet Human Resources Manager Kelly Lyons

In honor of Black History Month, which is celebrated throughout the month of February, the DA’s Office is featuring stories of employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.

Meet DA Human Resources Manager Kelly Lyons, who has been working in the County for 26 years, and 24 of those years have been at the DA’s office. Kelly is the Human Resource Manager for the Human Resource Management Unit, which covers important areas of position management, recruitment, hiring, transfers, human resources policies and procedures, Covid management, workplace accommodations, workers’ compensation, leave administration, benefits administration, employee relations, performance appraisals and appeals, grievances, discipline, and employee investigations. Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?

“Both my mother and sister worked in public service, but my mom was actually the one who pushed me to get a government job for the stability and great benefits. Once I started working in public service, I learned about the District Attorney’s Office and had a strong desire to work there. I enjoy supporting people who work to uphold justice. Human Resources is the backbone of any organization, and working at the District Attorney’s Office allows me to contribute behind the scenes ensuring that our staff has the resources, support and environment they need to do their jobs effectively.”

What does African American History Month mean to you/why is it important?

“As a Black woman, Black History Month is deeply personal. It’s a time to honor the strength, resilience, and brilliance of those who came before me, especially the Black women who have shaped history but whose contributions have often been overlooked. For me, it’s a time of reflection and pride, recognizing the sacrifices made so that I can stand where I am today. It’s a reminder that I come from a lineage of trailblazers, innovators, and leaders who have fought for justice, equality, and representation. It’s important because it ensures that the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals are acknowledged, and the future generations understand the significance of diversity, representation, and inclusion in shaping a better society for all. Most importantly it’s a call to action to honor the past by creating a future where Black excellence is acknowledged every day, not just in February.”