The woman suspected of fatally stabbing her wife, , a California fire captain, has been arrested in Mexico after a month-long search, authorities announced Saturday.
Arrest in Mexico
Yolanda Marodi, 53, also known as Yolanda Olenjniczak, was taken into custody in Mexicali, Baja California, in connection with the death of her wife, Cal Fire Captain Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, 49. According to the State Citizen Security Force, the arrest took place near a hotel in the Ferrocarril neighborhood.
After confirming her identity, Mexican authorities contacted U.S. Marshals, and Olenjniczak was later handed over at a U.S. Port of Entry. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office stated she will be booked on murder charges.
Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department released a statement expressing gratitude to law enforcement, adding, “Becky was a beloved member of our community and Department, and we miss her greatly.”
The Fatal Incident
On February 17, just before 9 p.m., deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call at a home in Ramona, San Diego County. They found Marodi with multiple stab wounds and attempted lifesaving measures before Cal Fire paramedics arrived. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Days later, authorities identified her wife of two years as the suspect.
Security Footage and Motive
An arrest warrant reviewed by ABC7 Eyewitness News detailed video and audio evidence from home security cameras. Around 8 p.m. on the night of the incident, Yolanda appeared to be chasing Rebecca on the patio. A woman, believed to be Rebecca, is heard pleading, “Yolanda! Please… I don’t want to die.” She then reappears on camera with visible blood on her back.
Yolanda allegedly responded, “You should have thought about that before,” while holding what appeared to be a knife. Blood was visible on her arms.
Ten minutes later, the footage showed Yolanda gathering pets, belongings, and luggage before loading them into a silver Chevrolet Equinox and leaving.
Three days after the attack, Olenjniczak texted an associate, admitting to the crime: “Becky came home and told me she was leaving me. She met someone else, all the messages were lies. We had a big fight, and I hurt her… I’m sorry.”
Previous Conviction
Olenjniczak had a history of violence. In 2004, she pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for fatally stabbing her then-husband. She was sentenced to 11 years in prison and later released.
A Life of Service
Marodi dedicated over 30 years to Cal Fire, primarily in Riverside County. She began as a volunteer in Moreno Valley and recently helped battle the Eaton Fire.
Her colleagues described her as a positive force. “She always had a smile on her face, no matter the situation,” said John Clingingsmith, a Cal Fire Riverside County public information officer who knew her for three decades.
Marodi had planned to retire later this year.
