Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 54, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the stabbing death of her wife, Cal Fire captain Rebecca Marodi, in Ramona, California. The February 2025 killing followed a confrontation at the couple’s home in which Rebecca suffered multiple stab wounds. Marodi also admitted a prior serious felony conviction tied to the 2000 stabbing death of her former husband. She fled to Mexico after the killing, was arrested in Mexicali and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 2.
| 1) | Guilty plea follows fatal Ramona stabbing |
| 2) | Prior homicide conviction acknowledged in court |
| 3) | Investigation traced flight to Mexico |
| 4) | Victim remembered for decades of fire service |
| 5) | Sentencing remains scheduled for September |
Guilty plea follows fatal Ramona stabbing
Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi changed her plea from not guilty to guilty on Tuesday, admitting second-degree murder in the death of Rebecca Marodi. The victim, 49, was found at the couple’s home in Ramona on February 17, 2025, after suffering multiple stab wounds.
Authorities said the injuries affected Rebecca’s neck, chest and back and were consistent with a stabbing. She was pronounced dead at the scene. During the court hearing, the judge asked Marodi how she pleaded to the murder count, and she answered, “Guilty.”
Prior homicide conviction acknowledged in court
As part of the plea agreement, Marodi admitted a prior serious felony conviction connected to the 2000 stabbing death of her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak. She pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in that case in 2003.
Marodi was released from prison in 2013, according to state corrections records. The earlier conviction was formally acknowledged as part of the proceedings over Rebecca’s death, establishing that the defendant had previously been convicted in a fatal stabbing case.
Investigation traced flight to Mexico
Investigators alleged that Marodi left the United States after Rebecca was killed and remained in Mexico for more than a month. Mexican authorities arrested her at a hotel in Mexicali, near the U.S. border.
She was later returned to the United States and taken into custody at the Calexico West Port of Entry. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators allegedly showed Rebecca fleeing the home while Marodi pursued her before Rebecca was found fatally injured.
Victim remembered for decades of fire service
Rebecca Marodi served with Cal Fire for more than 30 years. She began as a volunteer in Moreno Valley and spent much of her career in Riverside County before becoming a captain.
Officials confirmed that Marodi had recently helped fight the Eaton Fire. Cal Fire Riverside described her death as a profound loss and said her legacy of mentorship, service and dedication would continue to affect her family, friends and colleagues.
“Her legacy of mentorship, service, and dedication will be felt for years to come. Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her.”
Sentencing remains scheduled for September
Marodi is scheduled to be sentenced on September 2. Her guilty plea resolves the murder charge without a trial, while the admitted prior serious felony conviction will remain part of the court’s consideration.
The case brought together a local homicide investigation, an international arrest and the history of a defendant who had previously served prison time for a fatal stabbing. Further details about the sentence will be addressed at the upcoming hearing.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. |
| 2 | Rebecca Marodi was fatally stabbed at the couple’s Ramona home in February 2025. |
| 3 | The defendant admitted a prior voluntary manslaughter conviction involving James Joseph Olejniczak. |
| 4 | Authorities arrested Marodi in Mexicali after she fled to Mexico. |
| 5 | Sentencing is scheduled for September 2. |
Summary
The guilty plea ends the trial phase of the case against Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi in the killing of Cal Fire captain Rebecca Marodi. The proceedings also brought attention to Marodi’s earlier manslaughter conviction and her flight to Mexico after the 2025 stabbing. The next major development is the scheduled September 2 sentencing hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pleaded guilty in the case?
Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 54, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Who was killed?
Cal Fire captain Rebecca Marodi, 49, was fatally stabbed at the couple’s Ramona home on February 17, 2025.
What happened after the killing?
Investigators said Marodi fled to Mexico, where she remained for more than a month before her arrest in Mexicali and return to the United States.
When is sentencing?
Marodi is scheduled to be sentenced on September 2.
