“Wife of slain California fire captain on the run, fearing ex mother-in-law”

The former mother-in-law of a California woman, who is on the run for allegedly murdering her Cal Fire captain wife, said she was “scared” of her.

The mother of James Joseph Olejniczak Jr., who was fatally stabbed by Yolanda Marodi, recounted her encounter with her former daughter-in-law before the tragic events of 2000.

“My son was a fine man. Everyone thinks that about their kids, but my oldest son truly was a good one,” said Nancy Hayworth, in an interview with KGTV.

Hayworth described Marodi as “frightening,” drawing a connection between the murder of Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, a 49-year-old Cal Fire captain stabbed to death in her home on February 17, and the tragic loss of her son.

“Scary, very scary, she scares me,” Hayworth said. “She always has.”

Detectives reported that Rebecca then reappears in the patio angle with what appears to be blood on her back.

The report read that Yolanda responded to Rebecca, saying “You should have thought about that before,” while standing in front of Rebecca with what appeared to be a knife in her hand.

The couple then disappeared for nearly 10 minutes before Yolanda was seen gathering belongings, dressed in a different outfit and loading up the Chevrolet Equinox and fleeing the scene. 

Authorities found Rebecca Marodi with multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. (Cal Fire / Riverside County Fire Department)

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 is 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. 

Authorities believe that she fled to Mexico. The Department of Homeland Security reported spotting her car 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. 

Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price contributed to this report.