California Woman Admits to Murdering Fire Captain Wife

A California woman has admitted to killing her spouse, a fire captain, last year. This revelation comes years after her earlier conviction for the deadly stabbing of her previous husband. Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 54, confessed to second-degree murder in the death of her wife, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Marodi, 49. The incident occurred at their home in Ramona in February 2025.

The judge asked how she pleaded to the charge of second-degree murder. She replied, ‘Guilty.’

Authorities discovered Rebecca Marodi with multiple stab wounds. She was declared dead at the scene.

The plea also included Marodi’s admission of a serious felony from 2000. This was related to the killing of her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak. She had pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2003, after which she was released in 2013, per the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Rebecca Marodi, a seasoned Cal Fire captain, was attacked on February 17, 2025. Prosecutors noted surveillance footage which showed her trying to escape while Yolanda Marodi chased her. Rebecca suffered knife wounds to her neck, chest, and back.

Investigators claim Marodi fled to Mexico post-murder, remaining there for over a month. She was eventually arrested in Mexicali and brought back to the U.S.

Marodi was initially not guilty of the charges. She later changed her plea to guilty for second-degree murder. She is set for sentencing on September 2.

Rebecca Marodi dedicated over three decades to Cal Fire, mostly in Riverside County. She started as a volunteer in Moreno Valley and was involved in combating the Eaton Fire recently.

Cal Fire Riverside expressed their sorrow over her death. They stated it is a ‘profound loss.’ They acknowledged her legacy of mentorship and service would continue to impact many.