RAMONA, Calif. (KGTV) — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday identified the suspect accused of fatally stabbing a Cal Fire captain in Ramona earlier this week.
The sheriff’s office is searching for 53-year-old Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olejniczak, in connection with the killing of her wife, Rebecca “Becky” Marodi. Rebecca worked for Cal Fire for over 30 years, primarily in Riverside County, and served in San Bernardino and San Diego counties, eventually earning the rank of captain.
The incident took place on the evening of February 17, when deputies responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at a home on Rancho Villa Road around 9 p.m. Upon arrival, first responders found Rebecca Marodi inside the residence with multiple stab wounds. Despite efforts to save her life, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy confirmed the death as a homicide, and sheriff’s detectives continue to investigate the motives behind the tragic event.
Authorities have issued a description of the suspect: Olejniczak stands at 5 feet 2 inches, weighs 166 pounds, and has brown hair, with tattoos on both upper arms. She is believed to be driving a silver 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with the California license plate 8BQJ420. It’s also noted that she is accompanied by a small white dog.
The sheriff’s office has informed Mexican authorities of the search for Olejniczak.
Family members shared that Olejniczak and Rebecca Marodi had been married for about two years before the tragic event. Olejniczak’s criminal past includes a prior conviction for voluntary manslaughter in the 2000 killing of her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak. She was sentenced to 13 years and 8 months in prison but was released in November 2013 after serving time.
A family friend released a statement on behalf of Rebecca’s family, thanking the community for their support and law enforcement for their efforts in the case. They are hopeful that justice will be served.
Anyone with information about Olejniczak’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
