A community is in mourning after Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, a decorated firefighter with over 30 years of service, was found brutally stabbed in her own home.
Authorities now believe that her wife, Yolanda Marodi, is responsible for the tragic crime—one that echoes a violent history from decades ago.
A Devastating Discovery
On February 17, authorities responded to a home in Ramona, California, where they found Rebecca Marodi suffering from multiple stab wounds to her neck, chest, and abdomen.
She was pronounced dead at the scene, while her wife, Yolanda, was nowhere to be found.
As investigators pieced together the events leading up to Rebecca’s death, shocking details emerged.
Surveillance footage from that evening reportedly captured a terrifying confrontation between the couple.
Rebecca could be heard pleading for her life, saying, “Yolanda! Please… I don’t want to die!” before she appeared on camera with what seemed to be blood running down her back.
According to authorities, Yolanda’s chilling response was: “You should have thought of that before.”
Shortly after, she was seen gathering belongings, loading them into a silver Chevrolet Equinox, and driving away.
Hours later, her vehicle was spotted crossing into Mexico.
A Chilling Text Message
One day after Rebecca’s tragic death, Yolanda reportedly sent a text message to a friend who had asked what had happened.
Her response was both startling and incriminating:
“Becky came home and told me she was leaving me, she met someone else, all the messages were lies. We had a big fight and I hurt her… I’m sorry.”
Investigators now believe the argument turned deadly that night, leading to Rebecca’s murder before Yolanda fled the country.
A Troubling Past
This isn’t the first time Yolanda has been at the center of a violent crime.
Nearly 25 years ago, she was convicted of voluntary manslaughter after fatally stabbing her then-husband, James J. Olejniczak Jr., during their divorce proceedings.
At the time, she attempted to flee with their two children but surrendered to police 24 hours later.
In 2003, she was sentenced to 11 years in prison but served only a decade before being released.
Now, history appears to have repeated itself, leaving Rebecca’s loved ones and colleagues devastated.
Remembering a Hero
Rebecca Marodi wasn’t just a fire captain—she was a respected leader and a dedicated first responder who saved countless lives.
She played a key role in battling California’s massive Eaton Fire earlier this year and was deeply involved in firefighter peer support programs.
Her colleagues at Cal Fire described her as a compassionate and courageous leader who always prioritized the well-being of those around her.
“Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her,” Cal Fire stated.
Rebecca had planned to retire at the end of the year, looking forward to a new chapter in life.
Instead, her legacy now stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of domestic violence, even among those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
The Search for Justice
Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Yolanda Marodi and are working with law enforcement on both sides of the border to locate her.
The public is urged to remain on the lookout for a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with the California license plate 8BQJ420 and for Yolanda herself, described as 5’2” tall, weighing approximately 165 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on both upper arms.
If you have any information regarding her whereabouts, you are encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately.