RAMONA, CA – In a shocking twist, the wife of a Cal Fire captain who was brutally stabbed to death at her home in Ramona, California, has been identified as a suspect in the murder. Yolanda Marodi, who also goes by Yolanda Olenjniczak, is accused of killing her spouse, Rebecca Marodi, a well-respected 30-year firefighting veteran stationed in French Valley.
Authorities issued a search warrant for Yolanda Olenjniczak, 53, as the investigation continues. The couple, married for just over two years, had reportedly been entangled in a tumultuous relationship, according to Rebecca’s ex-wife, Lilia Phleger. Phleger described the union as strained, characterized by jealousy on Yolanda’s part towards Rebecca’s longstanding friendships.
“We can’t imagine the pain Rebecca must have felt,” Phleger said. “It’s surreal to think that such violence occurred in a place that was once our shared home.”
The disturbing scene unfolded on Monday evening when deputies responded to an emergency call from Rebecca’s residence on Rancho Villa Road. Upon arrival, officers found the firefighter suffering from multiple stab wounds; she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, while withholding information on the motive, described Yolanda Marodi as having brown hair, standing 5’2″ tall, and weighing 166 pounds. She is believed to be driving a silver 2013 Chevrolet Equinox bearing the California plate 8BQJ420.
Yolanda’s past adds a layer of complexity to the case. Previously, she served over 13 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter related to the death of James Joseph Olejniczak in 2000 in San Bernardino County. She completed her sentence in 2013 and has since been on parole.
Law enforcement has requested the public’s assistance in locating Marodi, stressing that details of the crime are still under investigation. The motivation and full circumstances remain undisclosed as detectives work to piece together the event’s timeline.
A luminary in the firefighting community, Rebecca Marodi began her career as a volunteer in 1993 before ascending the ranks to become a captain in 2022. Her dedication to fieldwork and peer support left a lasting impact on her colleagues. “Her commitment extended beyond her assigned duties; she was integral in both Peer Support and Hazmat operations,” noted Cal Fire officials.
Rebecca Marodi’s untimely death leaves a lingering void among family, friends, and colleagues, as expressed in a heartfelt statement from Cal Fire. Her dedication and mentorship remain cherished by those she influenced throughout her distinguished career.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information on Yolanda Olenjniczak’s whereabouts to contact the Homicide Unit immediately.