Correction: Authorities initially provided an incorrect spelling of the suspect’s name. The correct spelling is Yolanda Olejniczak.
Law enforcement has named a suspect in the stabbing death of a fire captain in Ramona – and it’s not the first time the woman was implicated in a killing.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said it has identified Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olejniczak, as a suspect in the death of her wife, Rebecca Marodi, 49.
Olejniczak is described as a 53-year-old woman with brown hair, 5-foot 2-inches, and about 166 pounds. Her current location is unknown.
A spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the suspect was previously charged with an October 2000 murder.
The criminal complaint in that case states the victim was James Joseph Olejniczak and that the killing was committed with a knife. The relationship between the defendant and victim was not disclosed in the document.
Olejniczak later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
It is with great sadness to inform you of the passing of Fire Captain, Rebecca Marodi who passed away yesterday evening in San Diego County. Please keep Rebecca’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/QYFFSkYFv8
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) February 19, 2025
A state corrections spokesperson said she was sentenced to 13 years and eight months in prison. Olejniczak, who had more than 1,300 days credit for custodial time served prior to sentencing, was imprisoned from February 2004 until November 2013.
Marodi was found in a Ramona residence on Monday. Deputies responding to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 20200 block of Rancho Villa Rd. discovered the Cal Fire veteran suffering from multiple stab wounds.
The state agency confirmed that Marodi had been part of Cal Fire for more than 30 years, working mostly in Riverside County, but also in San Diego County.
The Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the autopsy Wednesday and concluded that the cause of death was stab wounds or sharp force entries, with the manner of death as homicide.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding Yolanda Olenjniczak’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or after hours at (858) 868-3200.
Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Updated 4:50 p.m. Feb. 20, 2025
