California Fire Captain Found Stabbed to Death After Battling LA Wildfires

A California fire captain has been murdered just weeks after she battled the devastating Eaton Fire in Los Angeles.

Police are still searching for the killer of 49-year-old Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi.

Marodi was found with multiple stab wounds in her home on the evening of February 17.

First responders did all they could, but Marodi succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police believe Marodi was killed by somebody close to her.

“Homicide detectives are actively working to contact persons of interest, identify a suspect, and locate and apprehend them as quickly as possible,” sheriff’s officials said.

“Investigators suspect that the victim knew the perpetrator and are treating this case as a potential domestic violence incident,” the San Diego Sheriff’s Office said.

“Currently, the motivation and circumstances surrounding the homicide remain unclear, and detectives are diligently gathering more information to establish the facts of the case.”

The medical examiner’s office conducted an autopsy and determined the manner of death as homicide.

In an update, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office announced that 53-year-old Yolanda Marodi was wanted in connection to the brutal murder of Marodi.

“In a significant development, Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have identified a suspect in this case,” the sheriff’s office said.

“The suspect is Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olenjniczak.”

The suspect, who is believed to have been in a relationship with the victim, is described as 5’2″ tall, weighing 166 lbs, with brown hair, according to officials.

Police said a motive for the murder has yet to be determined.

“Currently, the motivation and circumstances surrounding the homicide remain unclear, and detectives are diligently gathering more information to establish the facts of the case,” the sheriff’s office said.

Olenjniczak was previously charged with murder in 2000 in San Bernardino County for allegedly stabbing a man to death, according to local station CBS8.

She later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 13 years and eight months in prison, according to the station.

Olenjniczak was in jail from February 2004 to November 2013.

Marodi had served more than 30 years with Cal Fire and was planning to retire in 2025.

Cal Fire released a statement about her death:

“Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

“Beyond her operational assignments, Captain Marodi was deeply involved in Peer Support and Hazmat, always prioritizing the well-being of her colleagues.

“Her legacy of mentorship, service, and dedication will be felt for years to come.”

Marodi was one of thousands of firefighters who battled against the deadly Eaton Fire in January of 2025.

She was featured in social media posts that showed crews battling the blaze and shared videos of herself putting out the flames.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Paul Selegue said Marodi was somebody everyone could aspire to be like.

“She was never afraid to get involved with a person who needed help and she was always willing to extend herself to assist them,” he said.

Cal Fire Riverside County public information officer John Clingingsmith called Marodi a “bright light in the community.”

“She was always very positive,” Clingingsmith said.

“Always had a smile on her face.

“It didn’t matter what the situation was.”

“I think that’s one of the things everybody has been talking about, was her smile and her laugh, and just the fact that she was always there,” he added.

Please pray for Marodi and her family.

Hopefully, her killer will be brought to justice soon.

https://slaynews.com/news/california-fire-captain-found-stabbed-to-death-after-battling-la-wildfires/