An urgent manhunt is underway for Yolanda Marodi, 53, who has been named as the prime suspect in the brutal murder of her wife, California Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, 49. Rebecca was found fatally stabbed inside her Ramona home on Monday night.
Horrific Crime Scene Discovery
Emergency services were called to the Marodi residence at 8:58 p.m. PT on Monday, where they found Rebecca suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Office identified Yolanda as the main suspect on Thursday, issuing an urgent public alert as she remains at large. The Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as stab wounds and ruled it a homicide.
A Chilling Twist: A Dark Past Revealed
Further deepening the tragedy, court records revealed that Yolanda Marodi—also known as Yolanda Olenjniczak—has a violent past. In 2000, she was convicted of felony voluntary manslaughter involving the use of a “dangerous or deadly weapon” and was sentenced to prison in 2004. The exact length of her previous incarceration remains undisclosed.
Sheriff’s Homicide detectives stated:
“In a significant development, Yolanda Marodi has been identified as the suspect in this case. She remains on the run, and we urge the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.”
Yolanda is described as:
- 5’2” tall
- 166 lbs
- Brown hair
- 53 years old
Her current location is unknown, and authorities are treating her as armed and dangerous.
A Relationship Shattered by Violence
The tragic murder shocked the community, especially given the couple’s public expressions of love. Yolanda and Rebecca appeared to have been together since at least 2022, sharing moments of their life on social media. In a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating their engagement, Yolanda wrote:
“No words can express the joy and profound happiness I experience every day by her side. I’m so blessed to have this amazing woman love me unconditionally.
However, investigators now believe that domestic violence played a role in Rebecca’s death.
“The initial investigation led detectives to believe the victim knew her killer, and we are treating this as a potential domestic violence incident,” the sheriff’s office said.
Tributes Pour In for Captain Rebecca Marodi
Rebecca Marodi was a veteran firefighter with over 30 years of service in Cal Fire, known for her bravery and dedication. She was set to retire this year. Cal Fire released an emotional statement:
“Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Beyond her operational duties, Captain Marodi was deeply involved in Peer Support and Hazmat, always prioritizing the well-being of her colleagues. Her legacy of mentorship, service, and dedication will be felt for years to come.”
Rebecca was also one of the thousands of firefighters who battled the deadly Eaton Fire in January, which claimed 17 lives and destroyed nearly 9,500 structures. Videos shared online showed her heroically battling the flames, embodying the spirit of a true first responder.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Selegue paid tribute, saying:
“She was someone we all aspired to be like — courageous, compassionate, and selfless. She never hesitated to help others, even in the most dangerous situations.”
A Dangerous Fugitive on the Run
As the investigation intensifies, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office continues to search for Yolanda. They urge the public to report any sightings but caution against approaching her directly.
“We believe Yolanda may be desperate and dangerous. If you see her, call 911 immediately,” said a spokesperson.
How to Help
- Anyone with information about Yolanda’s whereabouts is urged to contact the San Diego Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at (888) 580-8477.
- Anonymous tips can also be submitted online through the San Diego Crime Stoppers website.
As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant, the focus remains on bringing her suspected killer to justice. This tragic case highlights the silent dangers of domestic violence, even in relationships that appear perfect on the surface.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please seek help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential support.
