The Tragic Arrest in San Diego: Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi Accused of Killing Her Wife, Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi
Arrest in Mexico: Suspicion of murder involving the spouse of a deceased California fire captain
In a shocking turn of events, Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, the wife of slain Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, has been arrested in Mexico following the brutal murder of her spouse.
The Recent Tragedy:After the gruesome stabbing of Rebecca Marodi, 49, on February 17, 2025, in their home in Ramona, near San Diego, investigators identified Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 53, as the prime suspect. On March 23, authorities apprehended Yolanda in a hotel in Mexicali, Mexico, just south of the US border. Following her capture, Mexican state security agents handed her over to US marshals, who returned her to the United States [1][2][3].
The Bloody Scene:Investigators obtained home security footage from the surveillance camera at the couple's house, which revealed a chilling confrontation. Yolanda, armed with a knife, allegedly assaulted Rebecca, who can be heard begging for her life. Blood-stained Rebecca appears on camera, screaming, as Yolanda packs her belongings [1][2]. The grainy footage shows Yolanda leaving the house, and later, a silver SUV crossing the border into Mexico, carrying her belongings, presumably [1][2].
The Past Haunting the Present:Interestingly, Yolanda has a prior conviction for voluntary manslaughter. In 2000, she killed her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak, and served nearly a decade in prison, from February 2004 to November 2013 [1][2][3].
The Connection to Eaton Fire:While Rebecca Marodi was a decorated Cal Fire captain who dedicated her service to battling the Eaton Fire, the current murder investigation seems unrelated to her work on the Eaton Fire. The tragic incident appears to be a domestic matter rather than a work-related one [1][3].
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen whether Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi will be charged and put on trial for the murder of her spouse, Captain Rebecca Marodi.
- Despite her prior conviction for voluntary manslaughter, Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, the US suspect accused of killing her wife, Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, was apprehended in Mexicali, Mexico, by US marshals after a near two-week manhunt.
- A silver SUV carrying Yolanda's belongings, including a blood-stained knife, was seen crossing the border into Mexico, following the gruesome stabbing of 49-year-old Rebecca Marodi on February 17, 2025, in their home near San Diego.
- The US government collaborated with Mexican state security agents to bring Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, a Mexican national, back to the United States for further questioning and potential trial in the murder of her wife.
