Wife of Slain California Fire Captain Pleads Not Guilty to Murder, Held Without Bail

Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi faces murder charges in the fatal stabbing of her wife, Rebecca Marodi, following her extradition from Mexico after a five-week manhunt.

Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 53, has been charged with murder for the February 17, 2025, fatal stabbing of her wife, Rebecca Marodi, a veteran California fire captain.
At her March 26 arraignment, she pleaded not guilty and was denied bail due to the violent nature of the crime, which involved 34 stab wounds, and her prior manslaughter conviction.
Rebecca Marodi was killed shortly after informing Yolanda of her intent to leave the marriage, according to court documents and investigators.
The attack was reportedly captured on a Ring security camera, showing Rebecca pleading for her life before being fatally stabbed.
Yolanda fled to Mexico after the murder and was apprehended on March 22 in Mexicali through coordinated efforts between U.S. and Mexican authorities, leading to her extradition to the U.S.