SAN DIEGO — A 53-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of her spouse, a California fire captain, following her extradition from Mexico where she was apprehended after a near five-week manhunt. Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi entered a plea of not guilty in a San Diego courtroom to charges of murder with the alleged use of a deadly weapon.
This charge follows the tragic death of 49-year-old Rebecca Marodi, who prosecutors claim succumbed to 34 stab wounds at their home located approximately 40 miles northeast of San Diego in Ramona, California. According to authorities, the violent act was captured on the couple’s home security system. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Rebecca attempting to flee across their patio, as Yolanda confronts her.
During Wednesday’s arraignment, Judge Peter Lynch cited the “violent criminal history” of the defendant and the brutal nature of the alleged crime as grounds for denying bail. Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi’s previous run-ins with the law include a 2003 manslaughter conviction for the stabbing death of her then-husband. She served an 11-year sentence before her release.
The pursuit for Yolanda began shortly after Rebecca’s death on February 17, intensifying when Homeland Security noted that Yolanda’s vehicle had crossed into Mexico approximately an hour after the crime. The collaborative effort between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement culminated in her arrest near a hotel in Baja California, Mexico.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan underscored the significance of the international cooperation that led to Yolanda’s capture. “The determination of law enforcement on both sides of the border ensures that individuals accused of violent crimes face accountability,” Stephan said.
Rebecca, remembered by colleagues as a dedicated firefighter, served with Cal Fire for over three decades, recently contributing to efforts to manage the Eaton fire near Los Angeles. Her commitment to her profession and the community was highlighted in a memorial service attended by hundreds in Temecula, where Riverside County Fire Chief Bill Weiser praised her enduring service and leadership.
Looking forward, the court scheduled an April 28 conference to revisit Yolanda’s custody status and address upcoming legal proceedings. If convicted of the current charges, she faces a possible sentence ranging from 25 years to life imprisonment. This case has drawn considerable attention due to the nature of the allegations and the profile of the victim, shedding light on the broader issues of domestic violence and partner homicide.
The local community and law enforcement continue to navigate the complexities of this case, awaiting further developments as they seek justice for a respected fire captain whose life was cut tragically short.