Wife of murdered California fire captain, who eluded capture, served sentence for ex-husband’s death as search expands internationally

Fresh information has emerged indicating that the woman charged with killing her firefighter spouse in Southern California had previously murdered another partner twenty years ago.

Yolanda Marodi, 54, is still being sought by authorities as a suspect in the alleged homicide of Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, 49, a Cal Fire captain who was discovered stabbed to death in her residence on February 17.

An arrest warrant, acquired by KABC, states that Rebecca informed Yolanda of her intention to leave her and terminate their marriage around a week prior to the tragic incident.

The deadly confrontation was caught on home surveillance video, the outlet reported.

Authorities are searching for 53-year-old Yolanda Marodi, who they saw is suspected in the brutal murder of her fire captain wife.  (San Diego Sheriff’s Office/Beck Marodi Facebook)

The San Diego Sheriff’s Office believes Yolanda Marodi is driving a silver 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with California license plate “8BQJ420.” Officials said she is also believed to be traveling with a small white dog.

Deputies said that Yolanda stands approximately 5’2″ tall, weighs 166 pounds and has brown eyes and brown hair. She is described as having tattoos on both her upper right and left arms. 

She is also believed to have fled to Mexico as the Department of Homeland Security reported seeing the same car spotted hours later as it crossed the border.

“At this time, Olejniczak’s whereabouts are not known. Out of an abundance of caution, the Sheriff’s Office has alerted authorities on both sides of the border about this suspect,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. 

Rebecca Marodi served more than 30 years with Cal Fire, mainly in Riverside County, starting as a volunteer in Moreno Valley. Most recently, officials confirmed she helped battle the Eaton Fire.

CAL Fire Riverside acknowledged Rebecca Marodi’s death and said her passing is a “profound loss.”

“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,” the department wrote in a previous statement on their Facebook page.