Rebecca "Becky" Marodi, 49, a fire captain with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), was discovered by her mother with multiple stab wounds at her residence on Rancho Villa Road in Ramona around 9 p.m. Deputies responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon, and despite efforts by first responders and Cal Fire paramedics, Marodi was pronounced dead at the scene. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident as a domestic violence case, confirming that Marodi knew her attacker.
Authorities have named 53-year-old Yolanda Marodi, who also goes by Yolanda Olenjniczak, as the suspect. Described as a 5-foot-2 woman with brown hair weighing about 165–166 pounds, she remains at large, and investigators suspect she may have fled to Mexico. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to the Press-Enterprise that Rebecca and Yolanda Marodi married two years ago, and the motive for the killing is still under investigation. Detectives are working to gather more information, according to a sheriff's office statement released Thursday.
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Tragically, this is not Yolanda Marodi's first alleged act of violence against a spouse.ÌýÌýand recent reports, including from NBC News, reveal that Yolanda Olenjniczak was previously convicted on October 25, 2000, of Felony Voluntary Manslaughter under California Penal Code Section 192(a), along with other charges, in Riverside County. The victim in that case was her husband, James Joseph Olejniczak Jr.Ìý
She served 13 years in prison and an additional two years on parole, being discharged from parole in 2015. This history underscores the gravity of the current investigation, as authorities now believe Yolanda Marodi may have killed two spouses, marking a disturbing pattern of domestic violence.
Rebecca Marodi dedicated over 30 years to fire service, beginning as a volunteer firefighter in 1993 before rising through the ranks. She was promoted to captain in 2022 and was known for mentoring younger firefighters and supporting her colleagues, particularly during recent wildfires like the Eaton Fire. She had served primarily in Riverside County, starting in Moreno Valley, and was assigned to a Cal Fire station in French Valley at the time of her death. Marodi was planning to retire later this year.
"The tragic loss of Captain Marodi is mourned by her family, friends, and her Cal Fire family," the agency stated.
On Tuesday morning, Cal Fire crews honored Marodi with a solemn procession from her home to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, paying tribute to her decades of service and sacrifice. Colleagues, including Cal Fire Riverside County public information officer John Clingingsmith, who knew her for 30 years, described her as consistently positive, with a warm smile and unwavering presence. Neighbors in Ramona's quiet, rural community reported no prior signs of trouble.
"They'd be mowing, they’d be doing wood, gardening...you know, the usual stuff. Never saw any problems," said Monika Evans, a nearby resident.
Yolanda Marodi remains on the loose, and authorities are urging anyone with information about Marodi’s death or the whereabouts of Yolanda Marodi/Olenjniczak to contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 858.285.6330 or after hours at 858.868.3200. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 888.580.8477.
Rebecca Marodi dedicated over 30 years to fire service, beginning as a volunteer firefighter in 1993 before rising through the ranks. She was promoted to captain in 2022 and was known for mentoring younger firefighters and supporting her colleagues, particularly during recent wildfires like the Eaton Fire. She had served primarily in Riverside County, starting in Moreno Valley, and was assigned to a Cal Fire station in French Valley at the time of her death. Marodi was planning to retire later this year.
"The tragic loss of Captain Marodi is mourned by her family, friends, and her Cal Fire family," the agency stated.
On Tuesday morning, Cal Fire crews honored Marodi with a solemn procession from her home to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, paying tribute to her decades of service and sacrifice. Colleagues, including Cal Fire Riverside County public information officer John Clingingsmith, who knew her for 30 years, described her as consistently positive, with a warm smile and unwavering presence. Neighbors in Ramona's quiet, rural community reported no prior signs of trouble.
"They'd be mowing, they’d be doing wood, gardening...you know, the usual stuff. Never saw any problems," said Monika Evans, a nearby resident.
Yolanda Marodi remains on the loose, and authorities are urging anyone with information about Marodi’s death or the whereabouts of Yolanda Marodi/Olenjniczak to contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 858.285.6330 or after hours at 858.868.3200. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 888.580.8477.
Originally published on February 18, 2025. Updated February 20 & 21.Ìý
