The tragic news of the stabbing death of Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi has shocked the community, leaving many wondering about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is seeking assistance from the public to locate the suspect, identified as Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olejniczak, who is believed to be responsible for the killing.
The victim, Rebecca Marodi, a 49-year-old Cal Fire captain, was discovered deceased on Monday at a residence on Rancho Villa Road in Ramona. Authorities have revealed that Marodi and the suspect, Yolanda Marodi, were married for just over two years, as confirmed by a sheriff’s homicide investigator who spoke with family members. Public records indicate that the suspect and victim shared the same address.
Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olejniczak, who is 53 years old, stands at 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing approximately 166 pounds, with brown hair, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Department. Despite ongoing efforts to locate her, Olejniczak’s current whereabouts remain unknown.
This is not the first time Yolanda Olejniczak has been involved in a violent incident. In 2003, she pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for a killing that occurred in 2000, resulting in an 11-year prison sentence in 2004. The authorities are treating the death of Rebecca Marodi as a homicide due to the multiple stab wounds she suffered, though the exact circumstances and motive behind the killing remain unclear.
Deputies have been investigating the case as a potential domestic violence incident, suspecting that Marodi was acquainted with her assailant. Concerned citizens with any information related to this case are urged to reach out to the San Diego Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or contact them after hours at (858) 868-3200.
One poignant detail that has emerged from this tragic event is a touching Instagram post from Yolanda Marodi, where she refers to Rebecca Marodi as her wife. In the post, she expresses her love and gratitude for her partner, stating, “No special occasion is ever needed, to express my love for my amazing wife. I’m so lucky to have married someone that loves me for ME. She truly helps me be a better me, and my life has never been better since she’s been in it. So glad I gave love another chance.” Rebecca responded with a heartfelt comment, saying, “I love you my beautiful wife.”
Rebecca Marodi’s journey in the firefighting community was a long and dedicated one. She began as a volunteer firefighter in 1993 in Moreno Valley, later working as a seasonal firefighter in Riverside and San Bernardino counties from 1994 to 2000. Over the years, she climbed the ranks within Cal Fire, becoming a fire apparatus engineer in 2007 and achieving the rank of captain in 2022. Her commitment to her profession was evident in her efforts to battle the devastating Eaton fire just last month.
The loss of Rebecca Marodi has undoubtedly left a void in the firefighting community and beyond. As the investigation into her tragic death continues, the community is left grappling with unanswered questions and a sense of profound sadness. The impact of this loss reverberates far and wide, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers that first responders face in the line of duty.
