Rebecca "Becky" Marodi, 49, a fire captain with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), was discovered by her mother with multiple stab wounds at her residence on Rancho Villa Road in Ramona around 9pm. Deputies responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon and, despite efforts by first responders and Cal Fire paramedics, Marodi was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff's office is investigating the incident as a potential domestic violence case, believing Marodi knew her attacker.
Authorities have named 53-year-old Yolanda Marodi, who also goes by Yolanda Olenjniczak, as the suspect. Described as a 5-foot-2 woman with brown hair weighing about 166 pounds, she remains at large, and investigators suspect she may have fled to Mexico. The motivation and circumstances surrounding the homicide are still under investigation, with detectives working to gather more information, according to a sheriff’s office statement released Thursday. It is believed Rebecca was seeking a separation from Yolanda, who was her longtime domestic partner and possibly her wife.
Records show that Yolanda Olenjniczak was previously charged on October 25, 2000, with Felony Voluntary Manslaughter under California Penal Code Section 192(a), a serious felony offense. This charge typically involves the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, often in the heat of passion or during a sudden quarrel. She received a sentence of 11 years but served under two. The victim was James Joseph Olejniczak Jr.
Marodi dedicated over 30 years to fire service, beginning as a volunteer firefighter in 1993 before rising through the ranks. She was promoted to captain in 2022 and was known for mentoring younger firefighters and supporting her colleagues, particularly during recent wildfires like the Eaton Fire. She had served primarily in Riverside County, starting in Moreno Valley, and was planning to retire later this year.
On Tuesday morning, Cal Fire crews honored Marodi with a solemn procession from her home to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, paying tribute to her decades of service and sacrifice. Colleagues, including Cal Fire Riverside County public information officer John Clingingsmith, who knew her for 30 years, described her as consistently positive, with a warm smile and unwavering presence. Neighbors in Ramona's quiet, rural community reported no prior signs of trouble.
Anyone with information about Marodi’s death or the whereabouts of Yolanda Marodi/Olenjniczak is urged to contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 858.285.6330 or after hours at 858.868.3200. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 888.580.8477.
"The tragic loss of Captain Marodi is mourned by her family, friends, and her Cal Fire family," the agency stated.
"They'd be mowing, they’d be doing wood, gardening...you know, the usual stuff. Never saw any problems," said Monika Evans, a nearby resident.
Anyone with information about Marodi’s death or the whereabouts of Yolanda Marodi/Olenjniczak is urged to contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 858.285.6330 or after hours at 858.868.3200. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 888.580.8477.
Originally published on February 18, 2025. Updated February 20.
