Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 54, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the February 2025 stabbing death of her wife, Cal Fire captain Rebecca Marodi. The plea came after authorities said Marodi fled to Mexico and was arrested in Mexicali more than a month after the killing. She also admitted a prior serious felony conviction connected to the 2000 stabbing death of her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak. Sentencing is scheduled for September 2.
| 1) | Guilty plea in the Ramona stabbing |
| 2) | Evidence described by investigators |
| 3) | Flight to Mexico and return to the United States |
| 4) | Earlier conviction acknowledged in court |
| 5) | Rebecca Marodi’s firefighting legacy |
Guilty plea in the Ramona stabbing
Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi changed her plea from not guilty to guilty to one count of second-degree murder. The case concerns the February 17, 2025 death of her wife, Rebecca Marodi, at the couple’s home in Ramona, California. When the judge asked how she pleaded to the murder count, Marodi answered, “Guilty.” The plea resolves the central criminal charge while leaving sentencing for a later hearing.
Evidence described by investigators
Authorities found Rebecca Marodi with multiple stab wounds and pronounced her dead at the scene. Prosecutors said surveillance video showed her leaving the home while Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi pursued her. Investigators described injuries to Rebecca Marodi’s neck, chest and back as consistent with a stabbing. The reported evidence formed part of the case arising from the attack and supported the murder prosecution.
Flight to Mexico and return to the United States
After the killing, investigators alleged that Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi crossed into Mexico and remained there for more than a month. Authorities in Mexico arrested her at a hotel in Mexicali, near the United States border. She was later returned to the United States and taken into custody at the Calexico West Port of Entry. The international search and transfer preceded the criminal proceedings that led to her guilty plea.
Earlier conviction acknowledged in court
As part of the plea agreement, Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi admitted a prior serious felony conviction from the 2000 stabbing death of her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak. She pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in that case in 2003 and was released in 2013, according to correctional records. The earlier conviction was formally acknowledged as part of the current case.
Rebecca Marodi’s firefighting legacy
Rebecca Marodi served more than 30 years with Cal Fire, beginning as a volunteer in Moreno Valley and spending much of her career in Riverside County. Officials confirmed that she most recently helped battle the Eaton Fire. The department described her death as a profound loss and highlighted her mentorship, service and dedication to colleagues, family and friends.
| 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 on February 17, 2025. |
| 3 | The defendant was arrested in Mexicali after allegedly fleeing to Mexico. |
| 4 | She admitted a prior voluntary manslaughter conviction involving her former husband. |
| 5 | Sentencing is scheduled for September 2. |
Summary
The guilty plea establishes Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi’s criminal responsibility for the second-degree murder of Rebecca Marodi, while the court will determine the sentence at the scheduled September hearing. The case also includes an admitted prior serious felony conviction, and it followed an alleged flight to Mexico before the defendant’s arrest and return to the United States. Rebecca Marodi’s more than three decades of Cal Fire service remain a central part of the impact described by her department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pleaded guilty in the case?
Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 54, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of her wife, Rebecca Marodi.
When and where did the killing occur?
The stabbing occurred on February 17, 2025, at the couple’s home in Ramona, California.
What happened after the killing?
Investigators alleged that Marodi fled to Mexico. She was arrested in Mexicali after more than a month and later returned to the United States.
When is sentencing scheduled?
Sentencing is scheduled for September 2.
