Left: Yolanda Marodi (San Diego County Sheriff’s Office). Right: Rebecca Marodi (Riverside County Fire Department Hazmat Team).
The weekslong search for a California woman who allegedly stabbed her fire captain wife to death ended south of the border. Authorities in the Mexican state of Baja California announced this weekend that they arrested Yolanda Marodi, 53, aka Yolanda Olejniczak, at a hotel and turned her over to their U.S. counterparts in connection to the death of Rebecca Marodi, 49.
This is the second time she is behind bars for allegedly killing a spouse. Marodi pleaded guilty in 2003 to voluntary manslaughter for taking the life of James Olejniczak Jr., 27. She was sentenced to 13 years behind bars and was released on parole in 2013, according to reporting by the San Diego Union-Tribune.
History appeared to repeat itself back on Feb. 17 of this year in San Diego County. The mother of Rebecca Marodi arrived home to find the Cal Fire captain fatally injured, according to deputies. Law enforcement claims that Yolanda Marodi was seen on surveillance footage previously arguing with the victim, physically assaulting her, and then leaving the scene before the mother’s arrival.
Citing border patrol, deputies claim defendant Marodi drove into Mexico through the San Ysidro port of entry that same day.
That manhunt lasted weeks until Mexican authorities told U.S. Marshals on Saturday that the defendant had been found and arrested. U.S. Marshals took custody of her.
The investigation continues, as authorities try to figure out an alleged motivation behind the killing.
From the sheriff’s office:
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
The Riverside County Fire Department mourned the loss of Rebecca Marodi, whose career spanned more than 30 years. She received her promotion to captain in 2022.
“Beyond her operational assignments, Captain Marodi was deeply involved in Peer Support and Hazmat, always prioritizing the well-being of her colleagues,” the fire department wrote. “Her legacy of mentorship, service, and dedication will be felt for years to come. Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her. We extend our deepest condolences to Captain Marodi’s loved ones and stand together in remembrance of her extraordinary life and service.”
Jamie Frevele contributed to this report.
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