The wife of California Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi has been identified has a suspect in her murder.
Marodi, 49, was found with multiple stab wounds inside her Ramona home around 8:58 p.m. PT on Monday.
First responders administered life-saving measures, but Marodi succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Office identified her wife, Yolanda Marodi, 53, as her suspected killer on Thursday afternoon.
‘In a significant development, Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have identified a suspect in this case. The suspect is Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olenjniczak,’ the sheriff’s office said.
‘Olenjniczak is described as 5’2″ tall, weighing 166 lbs, with brown hair, and is 53 years old. Olenjniczak’s current location is unknown.
‘The motivation and circumstances surrounding this homicide remain under investigation as detectives work diligently to gather more information and establish a comprehensive understanding of the case.’
The Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the autopsy and concluded that the cause of death was stab wounds or sharp force entries, categorizing the manner of death as homicide.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Office has identified her wife, Yolanda Marodi, 53, as her suspected killer
The suspect’s whereabouts are unknown. Pictured: Yolanda Marodi
The two appear to have been together since at least 2022 when Yoland shared an Instagram photo announcing their engagement.
‘No words can express the joy and profound happiness and gratitude that I experience every day that I spend by her side, and soon I’ll get to call her my wife,’ Yolanda said at the time.
‘I’m so blessed to have this amazing woman love me unconditionally. I love you @beck_marodi, you make my life complete.’
The initial investigation led detectives to believe that Marodi was killed by someone she knew.
‘Investigators suspect that the victim knew the perpetrator and are treating this case as a potential domestic violence incident,’ said the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.
‘Currently, the motivation and circumstances surrounding the homicide remain unclear, and detectives are diligently gathering more information to establish the facts of the case.’
Marodi served more than 30 years with Cal Fire and was planning to retire this year, according to KABC.
‘Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends and all who had the privilege of working alongside her,’ Cal Fire said.
‘Beyond her operational assignments, Captain Marodi was deeply involved in Peer Support and Hazmat, always prioritizing the well-being of her colleagues.
The initial investigation led detectives to believe that Marodi was killed by someone she knew
The Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the autopsy and concluded that the cause of death was stab wounds or sharp force entries
The couple are pictured together
Marodi was one of the thousands of firefighters who battled the deadly Eaton Fire (pictured) in January
‘Her legacy of mentorship, service and dedication will be felt for years to come.’
Marodi was one of the thousands of firefighters who battled the deadly Eaton Fire in January.
She was featured in social media posts of crews battling the blaze and shared videos of herself putting out the flames.
At least 17 people were killed in the 14,000-acre Eaton Fire that ignited on January 7. The blaze destroyed 9,418 structures and damaged 1,073 more, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Selegue told the local news station Marodi was someone everyone could aspire to be like.
‘She was never afraid to get involved with a person who needed help and she was always willing to extend herself to assist them,’ he said.
