A 54-year-old woman in California, Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, has admitted to second-degree murder for killing her spouse, Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, a veteran fire captain. The incident occurred in February 2025 at their home in Ramona, California.
During the court session, when questioned about her plea for second-degree murder, Marodi responded, “Guilty.” This plea relates to the fatal stabbing of her wife, who served in the fire department for over 30 years.
Authorities found Rebecca Marodi with several stab wounds and pronounced her dead on the scene. Surveillance footage reportedly showed her trying to escape, with Yolanda Marodi close behind. Injuries were evident on her neck, chest, and back.
Yolanda Marodi’s past includes a conviction for the voluntary manslaughter of her previous husband, James Joseph Olejniczak, in 2000. She spent time in prison for that crime and was released in 2013.
After Rebecca Marodi was killed, Yolanda allegedly fled to Mexico. She was later apprehended in Mexicali and brought back to the United States.
The slain firefighter, Rebecca Marodi, dedicated her career to Cal Fire, primarily in Riverside County. Her efforts extended from volunteer work in Moreno Valley to fighting significant fires like the Eaton Fire.
The loss of Rebecca Marodi resonated throughout the firefighting community. Cal Fire Riverside expressed the significant impact of her passing, emphasizing her legacy of mentorship and service.
Yolanda is set to face sentencing on September 2.
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