Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for 54-year-old Yolanda Olejniczak in connection with the brutal stabbing death of her wife, Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, in their California home on Feb. 17.
Murder Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Evidence
According to a warrant filed in San Diego County Superior Court, investigators suspect that Olejniczak fatally stabbed Marodi multiple times following a confrontation over the victim’s decision to end their marriage.
Lorena Marodi, the victim’s mother, told authorities that Rebecca had recently informed Yolanda of her plans to leave. Surveillance footage from a Ring doorbell camera captured the moments leading up to the fatal attack.
The footage shows Rebecca Marodi running across the patio, screaming, “Yolanda! Please…I don’t want to die.” Olejniczak responded, “You should have thought about that before,” while holding a knife in her right hand, according to the warrant. Blood was visible on Marodi’s back and Olejniczak’s arms.
After forcing Marodi back inside the home, Olejniczak can be heard refusing to call 911, despite Marodi’s repeated pleas.
Suspect Fled to Mexico After Killing
Minutes later, Olejniczak was seen on the front-door camera wearing different clothes and loading pets, luggage, and personal belongings into a silver 2013 Chevrolet Equinox before driving away.
Approximately one hour later, her vehicle crossed into Mexico, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Officials confirmed that authorities on both sides of the border have been notified about the fugitive.
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Confession via Text Message
Investigators obtained a text message sent by Olejniczak to an associate the day after the murder, which read:
“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.”
Based on the video footage, Olejniczak’s escape to Mexico, and the confession text, authorities have formally charged her with Marodi’s murder.
History of Violence: Olejniczak’s Past Conviction
This is not the first time Olejniczak has been accused of killing a partner. In 2003, she pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter after fatally stabbing her then-husband. She served 11 years in prison before being released and later meeting Marodi.
Authorities Urge Public Assistance in Locating Olejniczak
Olejniczak remains at large and is believed to be driving a silver 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with California license plate 8BQJ420. Authorities also noted she may be traveling with a small white dog.
Cal Fire Mourns the Loss of a Dedicated Captain
Cal Fire confirmed Marodi’s death in a statement:
“It is with great sadness that CAL FIRE reports the off-duty death of Fire Captain Rebecca ‘Becky’ Marodi. Captain Marodi served over 30 years with CAL FIRE, primarily in Riverside County, but also serving time in San Bernardino and San Diego Counties. The tragic loss of Captain Marodi is mourned by her family, friends, and her CAL FIRE family.”
How to Report Information
Anyone with information on Yolanda Olejniczak’s whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the San Diego Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330.
