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One Safe Place South Celebrates One Year Serving the Community

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced the one-year anniversary of One Safe Place – The South County Family Justice Center, in National City today which has served 2,018 guests in its first year, one third of whom returned for additional services such as case management, housing connections, restraining order assistance, food, clothing and therapy.

Other services provided during the first year include:

  • Delivered 11,638 services to victims through advocates and case managers.
  • Provided approximately 3,567 legal services, including attorney consultations and assistance with restraining orders, move-out orders and child custody orders, and facilitated hearings through the One Safe Place Remote Courtroom.
  • Provided 512 trauma therapy sessions to members.
  • Conducted 89 forensic interviews and 79 forensic exams.
  • Connected 170 members with emergency and permanent housing.
  • Served 680 children in the center’s child waiting area.
  • Distributed 561 pet supplies and food items.
  • Provided 21 Faraday bags, which help protect victims’ electronic devices from being tracked.
  • Received more than 1,127 calls through the One Safe Place reception helpline.

“One Safe Place South is much more than a building,” DA Stephan said. “It’s a place where victims and survivors of all types of crimes can find the help and protection they need within a Family Justice Center built on hope, healing, and justice. This evidence-based model helps safeguard victims, protect children and seniors, prevent homelessness driven by domestic violence and human trafficking, and break the generational cycles of trauma that contribute to incarceration and victimization. We want the community to know that help is here, and we remain committed to providing these services for years to come.”

Since opening last October, One Safe Place South has served the people of South San Diego County, including guests who traveled from El Cajon, with a variety of support and legal services. Located at 401 Mile of Cars Way in National City, One Safe Place provides no-cost crisis intervention services to anyone who has experienced family violence, child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crimes, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, or other crimes. Child and long-term victims of abuse and their families will be assessed for risk and need and can receive acute crisis-care, forensic medical exams, advocacy, counseling, therapy, legal services like restraining orders, connections to a safe shelter and housing, long term mentoring, workforce readiness, clothing, and educational opportunities, all under one roof.

One Safe Place South joined One Safe Place North, which opened in San Marcos in 2022. Together, they have served a total of 16,387 first-time guests.

One Safe Place offers a welcoming environment to those in an already stressful situation. Guests shared how One Safe Place South has impacted their lives over the past year:

“I came in having no idea what to expect but ended up feeling heard and cared for. Everyone involved listened without judgment and offered advice and resources. I’m so grateful for everyone here and the assistance offered.” – anonymous guest

“I don’t know where my kids and I would be without the help I got here. OSPS gave me hope when I felt like I had nothing. When I first walked into OSPS, I felt completely overwhelmed and unsure of how to start rebuilding my life. This place made me feel less alone and more capable. I finally feel safe, my kids are thriving, and I’m truly proud of how far we’ve come.” – anonymous guest

One Safe Place is part of the Family Justice Center Alliance. The Family Justice Center model has been identified as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention services by the United States Department of Justice. One Safe Place is host to an onsite Trauma Recovery Center designated by California’s Victim Compensation Board and two accredited Child Advocacy Centers.

Individuals can contact either location of One Safe Place at gethope@OSPsandiegocounty.gov or at 888-440-HOPE (4673). One Safe Place South is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon.

More information is available at www.OSPsandiegocounty.gov

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Borrego Springs Man Who Killed and Dismembered Own Mother Sentenced

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a 44-year-old man who murdered his mother, cut off her hands and leg and then hid her body in his closet has been sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison.

Jacob P. Guevara, who was found guilty of first-degree murder by a jury in September, was his mother’s caretaker and living with her in a two-bedroom duplex in Borrego Springs, when he killed Leona Guevara, 63.

“This was a despicable and gruesome murder,” DA Stephan said. “To callously murder the woman who gave birth to you and then dismember and hide her in a closet is heinous. There is no place in society for this kind of person, and I hope today’s sentence brings a measure of justice for the victim’s family.”

In November 2023, Sheriff’s deputies performed a wellness check on victim Leona Guevara at the request of her daughter. Guevara told the responding deputy his mother had gone to a friend’s house or for a walk; however, the deputy located blood stains on the floor of Leona Guevara’s room. The deputy then searched the defendant’s room and located the victim’s body piled under trash in the closet. Guevara had cut off her hands, boiled them, and put them in a plastic bag. He had also amputated one of her legs and put that in a trash bag as well. In an interview with detectives, the defendant denied knowing his mother was dead and blamed a transient that had been staying with them.

At trial, the defendant testified that his mother was mentally ill and had come at him with a knife, so he had killed her in self-defense.

Deputy District Attorney Kelsey Hollander prosecuted this case.

Click here to see the emotional impact statements from the victim’s two daughters at today’s sentencing hearing.

A group of four people posing outdoors near a chain-link fence with an American flag on the left and a U.S. Army flag on the right under a clear blue sky.

Meet Deputy DA Christopher Mancilla

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is highlighting employees whose experiences, backgrounds and dedication to public service help strengthen our office and the communities we serve.

Born and raised in San Diego’s Shelltown neighborhood in Southeast San Diego, Deputy District Attorney Christopher Mancilla has built his career around a commitment to serving and protecting the community he calls home. Before joining the District Attorney’s Office in 2017, he spent four and a half years as a staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, representing low-income clients in unlawful detainer cases.

Today, Christopher serves as a team leader in the Narcotics Division at the Hall of Justice and as the office’s Overdose Death Case Coordinator. In these roles, he supports and advises prosecutors, reviews case resolution offers, and works with local, state and federal partners to investigate and prosecute overdose death cases. His work reflects a commitment to accountability and to protecting families and neighborhoods from the devastating effects of drug-related crime.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service and join the DA’s Office?

“Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, I saw firsthand that the primary victims of crime and violence are the hardworking, everyday people living within those very neighborhoods. I’ve always felt a strong sense of duty to serve the public and a career in law enforcement provides me with the opportunity to protect the vulnerable people who remind me of my own family, neighbors, and friends.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of the job is the people I work with. In this line of work, we go through a lot together, and it builds a bond you can’t really find anywhere else. The Narcotics Division has become like a second family to me.”

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

“In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, working out and hanging out with my wife and two sons.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you, and why is it important?

“I look at Hispanic Heritage Month as a recognition of how our culture is a natural part of the American fabric. It’s a reminder that Hispanic communities share the same core ideals that define this country—hard work, resilience, and a deep dedication to family and community.”

Photo of dog and cat in animal cruelty case.

Man Illegally Operating Holistic Animal Care Facility Guilty of Animal Cruelty

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a 44-year-old man who had been illegally operating a holistic animal care facility in Julian, has been sentenced for animal abuse, neglect and failure to care for an animal.

Nelson Andres Zepeda, who was convicted by a jury in August of six misdemeanor counts, was sentenced to probation, ordered to forfeit all seized animals to the Department of Animal Services, to pay restitution for impoundment costs and victim restitution in an amount to be determined. He was also ordered to see a psychologist/psychiatrist and follow their recommendations, as well as take an animal cruelty class and is prohibited from having animals for five years.

“Animals can’t speak for themselves, so it is our responsibility to speak up when they are hurt or mistreated,” DA Stephan said. “Our office takes allegations of animal cruelty seriously and will work with our law enforcement partners to investigate suspected abuse and hold those responsible accountable. We also rely on our community to report suspected cruelty so we can take action and help protect animals from further harm.”

In April 2025, the Department of Animal Services received a complaint about the condition of dogs and cats that resided at Urban Feline, an unlicensed holistic animal care facility operated by Zepeda. The report indicated that multiple dogs had ear mites, mange, worms, and were losing weight, all without receiving proper veterinary treatment.

Multiple dogs were reported to have died on the property. A full investigation followed, in which the Department of Animal Services learned that one dog, Roble, had died away while under Mr. Zepeda’s care for behavioral training. Photographs of Roble showed a substantial decline in his health over a year. Roble’s owner was not contacted when Roble’s health declined or when he died.

“We’re grateful to our entire Animal Services team for bringing this severe case of neglect and abuse to light and ensuring the animals’ safety,” said Dr. Brie Sarvis, Director of County Animal Services. “This outcome reinforces our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable animals and ensuring they receive the humane treatment, protection, and compassion they deserve.”

The Department of Animal Services seized eight animals from Urban Feline: four dogs and four cats. The dogs’ conditions ranged from complete fur loss to leg fractures requiring amputation. The cats all had upper respiratory infections. Their conditions included a polyp that required surgical removal, giardia, and periodontal disease. One cat was emaciated, missing an eye, and had severe ocular discharge. He had to be humanely euthanized immediately due to the severity of his condition. The majority of the animals improved significantly upon receiving proper veterinary treatment.

“Cruelty and neglect like this have no place in our community,” DA Stephan said. “Animals deserve to be treated with care and compassion, and those who harm them must be held accountable.”

Deputy District Attorney Sarah Rowe and Deputy District Attorney William Heineken prosecuted this case.

A group of officials and uniformed officers stand in front of a podium with a seal, American flags, and a blue backdrop during a formal press event.

Child Predator Who Raped and Tortured 6-year-old Girl in 1996 Sentenced

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a 67-year-old man has been sentenced to prison for raping a 6-year-old girl in 1996 as she slept on the family sofa in University City. [WATCH THE NEWS CONFERENCE.]

Michael D. Graham was sentenced to 60-years-to-life in prison. As his trial was underway and jury selection was in progress, he abruptly pleaded guilty on May 12 to all six charged felony counts of forcible rape, forcible sodomy, aggravated sexual assault and lewd acts on a child. In doing so, Graham admitted special allegations that he personally inflicted torture and great bodily injury upon the child, identified only as Jane Doe to maintain her confidentiality in court, and committed the offenses during a residential burglary.

“For nearly 30 years, this sexual child predator escaped justice for his criminal acts while the victim and her family had to live in fear and suffer through horrendous trauma,” DA Stephan said. “Today, that ends. The defendant will have to live the rest of his years behind bars, paying for what he did. I hope today’s sentence brings a measure of closure to the victim and her family. I want to thank Deputy District Attorneys Dan Owens and Adriana Ross from our Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division for fighting for justice. Let the message be loud and clear to predators who hurt our children that we will find you and you will face the maximum sentence under the law.”

In February 1996, the then-6-year-old victim fell asleep on the living room couch after watching a movie. Her parents and teenage sister were asleep in their bedrooms. Shortly before 5 a.m., the victim’s mother awakened to the sound of the victim crying and went to check on her. She found the victim lying on the couch naked, her clothes strewn on the floor, her blankets pushed into the back of the couch, and the adjacent sliding glass door was left open. The victim had apparent blood on her inner thighs, and her face was badly swollen and discolored. The victim said, “I had to go to the bathroom, but somebody was pushing me down.”

The victim was rushed to the hospital where she received treatment for apparent chemical burns to her face. A sexual assault forensic exam was done by a physician at Rady’s Children’s Hospital that noted significant genital injuries, and DNA swabs were collected. The victim was forensically interviewed by a specially trained licensed clinical social worker to fully document her statement.

Law enforcement’s response and initial investigation was thorough and all leads were pursued, but the perpetrator remained unidentified for decades. San Diego Police developed a suspect DNA profile from a single source sperm fraction from the victim’s sexual assault kit and officers canvassed various nearby encampments of unhoused individuals and known sex offenders residing in the area to collect reference samples, but all were excluded. In 2000, the unknown suspect DNA profile was uploaded into the newly operational national CODIS DNA database in an effort to identify the perpetrator.

“For three decades, our teams never forgot what the victim and her family went through that night,” said Deputy Police Chief Shawn Takeuchi. “Generations of detectives and forensic analysts have reexamined the evidence from 1996 and leveraged technology to continue their search for the person who did this. We hope this brings peace to the family, knowing that a dangerous predator is off the streets, where he cannot hurt anyone else.”

In December 2023, San Diego Police received a DNA hit from Colorado. Michael Graham had been arrested by the Frederick Police Department, and his DNA was collected as part of his booking process. In Colorado, Graham was charged with 12 felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child following an investigation that revealed that he was in possession of thousands of images of child sexual abuse material. Two weeks later, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations notified the San Diego Police Crime Laboratory of the CODIS match and, while out of custody pending charges in the Colorado case, Graham was arrested in Orlando, Florida by the U.S. Marshalls Service on February 23, 2024.

He was ultimately transported to San Diego, where he was prosecuted for the 1996 rape.

At the sentencing hearing today, a letter from the victim’s mother was read aloud in court. She said:

“I am the mother of my beautiful daughter, the innocent and sweet 6-year-old child that you, Mr. Graham, assaulted, raped and used a chemical substance that burned her sweet little face.  After this day for many years after, this horrendous crime devastated my family and affected us in so many ways. My daughter was hospitalized and transferred to other hospitals for several weeks. The despicable acts you forced on my daughter were so painful to bear. Now, after 30 years, writing this statement brought so many painful memories and tears. I am thankful that you, Mr. Graham, are behind bars and will be locked up for a very long time. You don’t deserve to be free, and I am relieved that you cannot hurt other innocent lives.”

Deputy District Attorneys Dan Owens and Adriana Ross from the DA’s Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division prosecuted this case.

[WATCH THE NEWS CONFERENCE.]

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Tagger Charged with Hate Crime for San Carlos Vandalism

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced hate crime charges today against a 20-year-old man for a series of graffiti incidents in the Lake Murray area last month that left multiple vehicles, fences, walls, and a residence spray painted with hate language, including swastikas, the N-word, and a racist and derogatory term in Spanish.

Eli S. Peralta was arraigned today and pleaded not guilty to four felony counts including using terrorizing symbols on private property and vandalism. If convicted he faces five years in local custody.

“The felony charges my office filed should make it clear that hate crimes are taken very seriously in San Diego County,” DA Stephan said. “Vandalizing someone’s property with swastikas and racist slurs is more than an act of vandalism. It is an act intended to intimidate, demean, and cause fear. That is not what we stand for in this community. We will stand with victims, hold those responsible accountable, and make clear that hate and intimidation have no place here.”

The tagging incidents took place between September 9 and 10 in a 5-block radius of the Lake Murray neighborhood. The cumulative total damage is about $14,000.

Peralta committed these acts with another person. Anyone with information on the second suspect is encouraged to contact San Diego Police.

The District Attorney’s Office has a dedicated Hate Crimes Unit. In 2025 we filed hate crimes against 14 adult offenders. Ten were race based, three were religion-based and one was gender based.

Peralta will next be in court on October 9 for a readiness hearing. He is out of custody and must stay away from all vandalism locations and not possess vandalism tools.

Deputy District Attorney Mei Owen of the Hate Crimes Unit is prosecuting this case.

A group of people in purple shirts stand with candles in front of a floral backdrop, while an audience sits in rows facing the podium and speaker.

Community Leaders Unite to Mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Stand With Survivors, Remember DV Victims

San Diego County District Attorney, Summer Stephan, joined the San Diego Domestic Violence Council, San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert, community leaders and other social service agencies to mark the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at a ceremony at the City of San Diego’s new location for the San Diego Family Justice Center – Your Safe Place, a division of the City Attorney’s Office.

The annual event brings together professionals, survivors, and community members to raise awareness about domestic violence (DV) and remember those whose lives were taken in DV incidents during the previous year. This year, the event theme is “Safe Homes, Strong Communities.” This is the first event of four, with events to occur throughout the county during the month of October.

In 2025, nine people were killed by a current or former intimate partner. Overall DV homicides continue to remain lower than the average from the prior two decades.

The San Diego Domestic Violence Council works with its community partners and law enforcement agencies, like the DA and City Attorney’s Offices, to support victims in several ways.

“Behind every domestic violence homicide is a life that mattered, a family forever changed and a community left to grieve,” DA Stephan said. “We cannot allow these victims to become just names on a list. We honor them by recommitting ourselves to work tirelessly to prevent the next tragedy. I have seen the courage it takes for survivors to come forward and ask for help, and I want every person experiencing abuse to know that they are not alone. As prosecutors, law enforcement, service providers and community members, we all have a role to play in breaking the cycle of violence, protecting victims and preventing deadly violence Through partnerships across our county and resources like the Family Justice Centers, we are working to ensure survivors have a path to safety and the support they need. Safe homes are the foundation of strong communities, and together, we can build a San Diego where every person can live free from abuse and violence.”

Last year, there were 14,979 domestic violence calls for assistance made to law enforcement across San Diego County, a decrease of 4.5% from 2024. The DA’s Office filed charges in 1,823 domestic violence cases in 2025.

One Safe Place: San Diego County Family Justice Centers, which are a project of the DA’s Office, provide resources and services all under one roof for anyone who has experienced abuse or violence. Since opening the One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center in San Marcos in 2022, and then One Safe Place: The South County Family Justice Center in National City in 2025, more than 16,400 people have been served.

This year, the event to start off Domestic Violence Awareness Month was held at the San Diego Family Justice Center — Your Safe Place, at its new location in Kearny Mesa. The San Diego Family Justice Center is a division of the City Attorney’s Office and provides comprehensive, confidential services to anyone who has experienced domestic violence, family violence, older and dependent adult abuse, strangulation, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or gun violence.

“Domestic violence, elder abuse, strangulation, sexual assault, trafficking, and gun violence often overlap, and people experiencing them should not have to figure out which door to knock on,” said San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert. “The San Diego Family Justice Center welcomes anyone who walks in, confidentially and at no cost. Its new home in Kearny Mesa allows us to serve more survivors. Every San Diegan deserves this support, and my office is committed to ensuring it is there.”

During the event, which included a resource fair and a candlelight vigil ceremony honoring homicide victims, Natalia Duncan shared her personal story of surviving domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is far more common than people realize, and I am proof that it can happen to anyone,” said Natalia Duncan. “If leaving my marriage was a struggle with resources and support behind me, imagine what it takes for a woman with none of that. So instead of asking, ‘Why didn’t she leave?’ ask, ‘What would make it safer and easier for her to leave?’”

The San Diego Domestic Violence Council is a collaboration of organizations and community members who seek to reduce and prevent domestic violence. Partner agencies include the DA’s Office, San Diego County Health and Human Services, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement and social services agencies.

“Safe homes are the foundation of strong communities,” said Analicia McKee-Chau, President of the San Diego Domestic Violence Council. “Everyone deserves to live free from fear, abuse, and violence. Creating that safety is something we all have a role in. Safe homes mean survivors know they will be believed, supported, and connected to resources. They mean children grow up understanding that healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, and safety. And they mean friends, neighbors, families, schools, workplaces, and community partners are willing to speak up and stand beside those experiencing abuse. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are reminded that stronger communities begin with safer homes. As a Council, we are committed to coming together, supporting survivors, and working alongside our community to make that a reality.”

If you or someone you know is being abused by a current or former partner, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) for confidential support and assistance planning for safety. More information and resources can be found on the DA’s website here.

The DV Council will host additional community events throughout October, which you can find here. Attached is a list of domestic violence homicide victims who will not be forgotten.

Portrait of Rebecca Gomez, Legal Support Manager, smiling in front of a blue background, with a caption reading “Rebecca Gomez” and “Legal Support Manager” and a badge stating “Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Meet Legal Support Manager Rebecca Gomez

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is highlighting employees whose experiences, backgrounds and dedication to public service help strengthen our office and the communities we serve.

For Legal Support Manager Rebecca Gomez, a career with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is rooted in a commitment to helping others and a family history that is deeply connected to an important chapter in San Diego and civil rights history.

Born and raised in San Diego, Rebecca began her career with the County working in Child Support after previously working in healthcare for Sharp and Kaiser. She joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2002 and has spent more than two decades helping support the work of the office.

Today, she serves as the Legal Support Manager at the South Bay Branch, where she oversees the daily operations of the Legal Support Staff.

For Rebecca, her role is about more than overseeing operations. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is helping employees develop their careers and seeing people she once interviewed and hired go on to become professionals within the office.

“I am proud and fulfilled knowing that I played a small part in their career journey and success,” she said.

Her connection to Hispanic Heritage Month is deeply personal. Her great-grandfather, Juan Gonzalez, was involved in the Lemon Grove Incident of 1931, a landmark San Diego County case in which Mexican American children had been separated from other students and sent to a separate school. The case resulted in a court ruling that prohibited the segregation of the Mexican American children.

Her grandmother and her siblings were among the children affected. Growing up, Rebecca heard stories from her grandmother about what happened and about her great-grandfather’s role in the legal fight.

That family history has given Hispanic Heritage Month a special meaning for Rebecca—one that goes beyond celebrating her heritage.

“It reminds me of the courage, strength and determination of the generations before me,” she said.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement or to work at the DA’s Office?

“I was transferred to the DA’s office from Child Support during a County Wide layoff. When I was given the opportunity to go back to Child Support I declined. I felt working at the DA’s office was much more fulfilling. The work we do impacts the entire community and it makes me feel good that I can be a small part of helping to keep our community safe.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of my job is the leadership role I play in helping to develop and guide support staff towards promotions or other careers within our office. When I see student workers who I interviewed and hired go on to become professionals in our office, it makes me feel proud and fulfilled knowing that I played a small part in their career journey and success.”

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

“I love sports and being outdoors. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, camping, and Padres games.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you, and why is it important to you?

“Hispanic Heritage Month is meaningful to me because it reminds me of where I come from and the people in my family who helped make a difference for future generations. My great-grandfather, Juan Gonzalez, was part of the Lemon Grove Incident in 1931, when Mexican American children were being separated from the other children and sent to a separate classroom. The case is recognized as the first successful school desegregation court decision in U.S. history. My grandmother and her siblings were among the children affected. Growing up, my grandmother would tell me stories about what happened and about the role my great-grandfather played in fighting the segregation of the children. My great-grandfather served as guardian ad litem for Roberto Alvarez, one of the children at the center of the case, and the court ultimately ruled that the Mexican American children could not be segregated from the other students. Knowing that this history is part of my own family makes Hispanic Heritage Month mean much more to me than simply celebrating my heritage. It reminds me of the courage, strength, and determination of the generations before me. I am proud of my great-grandfather and of my grandmother and her siblings, who was part of a moment in history that helped create a better future for Mexican American children. It also reminds me that the opportunities we have today were not always available to everyone. People in my family stood up for what was right, and their actions made a difference. That history is something I am proud to carry with me, and it is why Hispanic Heritage Month is so important to me.

I am thankful for the opportunity the DA’s office has given me and I enjoy the people I work with.”

 

Headshot of Felix Salazar in a black jacket and white shirt, smiling against a light background; a lower-third label reads “Felix Salazar, Senior DA Investigator” and “Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Meet Senior DA Investigator Felix Salazar

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is highlighting employees whose experiences, backgrounds and dedication to public service help strengthen our office and the communities we serve.

For Senior District Attorney Investigator Felix Salazar, a career dedicated to serving others began in the Imperial Valley and continued through service in the United States Marine Corps and more than two decades in law enforcement.

Born and raised in Brawley, California, Investigator Salazar joined the Marine Corps in 1998, serving until 2002. He began his law enforcement career that same year, working for the Brawley Police Department and later the Carlsbad Police Department in a variety of assignments.

In 2018, he joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Today, he serves as a Senior District Attorney Investigator assigned to the East County Branch, where he conducts and assists with investigations involving cases prosecuted by the office.

His work includes locating and interviewing victims and witnesses, gathering and reviewing evidence, serving subpoenas, conducting follow-up investigations and working closely with Deputy District Attorneys and law enforcement partners to prepare cases for court.

For Senior Investigator Salazar, the work is ultimately about service.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement or to work at the DA’s Office?

“I have always been drawn to public service and to work that has a direct impact on people’s lives. My time in the Marine Corps reinforced the importance of teamwork, accountability, discipline and service to others. Law enforcement allowed me to continue that commitment while helping people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Joining the District Attorney’s Office allowed me to apply my experience to complex investigations and work closely with prosecutors and law enforcement partners. I value being part of a team that works to seek justice for victims, support their families and move cases forward.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of the job is the people I work with and the sense of purpose that comes with the work. I enjoy being part of a team that works through challenging investigations and knowing that our efforts can make a meaningful difference for victims, their families and our community. I also appreciate working alongside dedicated team members who take pride in what they do and are committed to serving the public.”

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

“Family is very important to me, and I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. We especially enjoy traveling together, exploring new places and making memories as a family. In my spare time, I also enjoy watching boxing and other combat sports.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you, and why is it important to you?

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for me to reflect on where I come from and the sacrifices my family made to create opportunities for the next generation. As a first-generation American with family from Mexico, my heritage has shaped my values, especially the importance of family, hard work and serving others. I am proud of my background and hope my career shows that you can stay connected to where you come from while still creating new opportunities for yourself and others.

After more than two decades in law enforcement, I am still grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and serve alongside great people. I am proud to be part of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and to contribute to a team committed to helping our community.”

 

Funeral memorial poster for “Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi” with a smiling firefighter in a dark uniform on the left, fire department patches on his chest, and the dates “June 14, 1975 – February 17, 2025” on a dark background.

Ramona Wife Who Killed Fire Captain and Fled to Mexico Sentenced to Prison

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that 54-year-old Yolanda Marodi, who was convicted of stabbing her wife to death, has been sentenced to 36 years-to-life in prison.

Yolanda Marodi pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on August 4, one month before trial was set to begin in the slaying of Rebecca Marodi, a Riverside County Fire Captain.

“This was a vicious murder of a respected and dedicated Fire Captain who dedicated her entire career to serving her community,” DA Stephan said. “This case also shows that no one is immune to domestic violence, which is one of the most hidden and dangerous forms of violence we confront. We can honor Captain Rebecca Marodi’s memory by joining together to safeguard victims of domestic violence and hold their abusers accountable. I am grateful to Deputy District Attorneys Maura Duffey and Jared Coleman, who prosecuted this case with care.”

Last February, when the couple’s two-year marriage began deteriorating, Yolanda Marodi stabbed Rebecca Marodi nearly two dozen times in her neck, chest and abdomen, inside their home in Ramona. Yolanda Marodi then fled the scene and crossed the border into Mexico. Rebecca’s mother returned home later in the evening, found her daughter and called 911, but Rebecca was pronounced deceased at the scene. More than a month later, Yolanda Marodi was apprehended in Mexico and extradited back to San Diego where she was charged with Rebecca’s murder. The charges also included an allegation that she had previously been convicted of voluntary manslaughter.

[VIDEO: Watch the emotional victim impact statement from Lorena Marodi, the victim’s mother.]

Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, stalking, or financial abuse. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, frighten, terrorize, injure, or wound someone.

If you or someone you know is being abused, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233. More resources can be found on the District Attorney’s website.

In addition, One Safe Place: San Diego County Family Justice Centers provide no-cost support 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. For more information, visit One Safe Place, here.