Authorities have identified the suspect in the fatal stabbing of the California fire captain who helped battle the Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles as her wife, with officials noting this was not her first murder.
On February 17, officers from the San Diego County Sheriff's Office responded to a call regarding an assault with a deadly weapon at a home in Ramona, California.
When they arrived, they discovered 49-year-old Rebecca Marodi suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite attempting immediate life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rebecca's wife, Yolanda Marodi—also known as Yolanda Olejniczak— was also a veteran firefighter with Cal Fire, having served more than 30 years in the department. Despite her being widely respected by colleagues, Yolanda has been named the primary suspect, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities also revealed that this was not the first time Yolanda had been involved in a murder case—she previously served time for manslaughter in connection with the death of her former husband.
On February 19, the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Rebecca's death was a homicide caused by multiple stab wounds.
Law enforcement officials issued a statement asking for the public's help in finding Yolanda, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
In the days following the murder, Cal Fire honored Rebecca with a solemn procession from her home to the San Diego Medical Examiner's Office, recognizing her decades of service.
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