Mexico City: Mexican authorities arrested Yolanda Marodi, accused of killing her wife, Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, in February.
A month-long search ended when security agents found Yolanda near a Mexicali hotel close to the U.S.-Mexico border. Officials immediately transferred her to American law enforcement.
Rebecca’s body was discovered in their Ramona home by San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies in late February.
Authorities say Yolanda fled to Mexico with a small white dog after her wife’s death.
She now faces murder charges.
Disturbing Evidence
Investigators believe Rebecca was killed on February 17 after an argument.
Rebecca’s mother heard the struggle through a live feed from a Ring camera and called 911.
The recording captured Rebecca pleading, “Yolanda, please, I don’t want to die,” with visible blood on her back.
Yolanda responded coldly: “You should have thought of that before.”
A Violent Past
Yolanda previously served over 13 years in prison for the 2000 stabbing death of her ex-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak.
She was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and released in 2013 under parole supervision.
Rebecca’s ex-wife, Lilia Phleger, described Yolanda as “jealous” and controlling in past relationships.
Phleger said Yolanda often tried to isolate Rebecca from long-time friends.
“This was the home we lived in together. It’s just unfathomable,” Phleger added.
Honoring Rebecca
Rebecca began firefighting in 1993 as a volunteer in Moreno Valley.
She worked for San Bernardino and Riverside counties before becoming a Cal Fire Captain in 2022.
Her stations included Perris, Indian Wells, Menifee, and Temecula, before her last assignment at French Valley Station 83.
Cal Fire issued a statement after the arrest:
“We appreciate our law enforcement partners for their dedication. Becky was a beloved team member, and we miss her greatly.”
