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.