Left: Yolanda Marodi (San Diego County Sheriff’s Office). Right: Rebecca Marodi (Riverside County Fire Department Hazmat Team).
Authorities in the Mexican state of Baja California have apprehended Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olejniczak, in connection to the death of her wife, Rebecca Marodi. Yolanda, 53, was captured at a hotel and handed over to U.S. officials after a lengthy search.
Yolanda Marodi had previously been convicted of killing her former spouse, James Olejniczak Jr., in 2003. She served time in prison for voluntary manslaughter and was released on parole in 2013. Tragically, history seemed to repeat itself when she was implicated in the death of Rebecca Marodi earlier this year in San Diego County.
On February 17, Rebecca Marodi’s mother discovered her daughter fatally wounded at home. Law enforcement reported that Yolanda Marodi was caught on camera engaging in a heated argument with the victim, physically attacking her, and leaving the scene before the mother’s return.
Citing border patrol, deputies claim defendant Marodi drove into Mexico through the San Ysidro port of entry that same day.
That manhunt lasted weeks until Mexican authorities told U.S. Marshals on Saturday that the defendant had been found and arrested. U.S. Marshals took custody of her.
The investigation continues, as authorities try to figure out an alleged motivation behind the killing.
From the sheriff’s office:
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
The Riverside County Fire Department mourned the loss of Rebecca Marodi, whose career spanned more than 30 years. She received her promotion to captain in 2022.
“Beyond her operational assignments, Captain Marodi was deeply involved in Peer Support and Hazmat, always prioritizing the well-being of her colleagues,” the fire department wrote. “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. We extend our deepest condolences to Captain Marodi’s loved ones and stand together in remembrance of her extraordinary life and service.”
Love true crime? Sign up for our newsletter, The Law&Crime Docket, to get the latest real-life crime stories delivered right to your inbox.
