Calif. woman convicted of killing husband in 2000 fatally stabbed second spouse last year, fled to Mexico

EL CAJON, Calif. (TCN) -- A 54-year-old woman who previously served time for killing her husband in 2000 has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the death of her wife in 2025.

The Coast News Group reports Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the stabbing death of her husband in 2000. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison and was released in November 2013.

On Aug. 4, Olejniczak Marodi pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing her second spouse, Rebecca Marodi, on Feb. 17, 2025, per the Coast News Group. The couple had been married for two years, and Rebecca Marodi had recently sought to leave the marriage. 

According to an arrest warrant obtained by the outlet, home surveillance footage captured a blood-covered Rebecca Marodi being chased by Olejniczak Marodi, saying “Yolanda! Please … I don’t want to die.” Olejniczak Marodi responded, “You should have thought of that before.”

Rebecca Marodi repeatedly asked Olejniczak Marodi to dial 911 before the couple went back inside. Home surveillance footage showed Olejniczak Marodi leaving the residence about 10 minutes later; she placed several items into her car and then left. 

Rebecca Marodi was found by her mother inside the couple’s home dead from multiple stab wounds, per Coast News Group.  

Approximately 75 minutes after killing her wife, Olejniczak Marodi crossed the border into Mexico, KTSM reports. According to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, Olejniczak sent a text the following day that said, “Becky came home and told me she was leaving me. She met someone else. All the messages were lies. We had a big fight, and I hurt her. … I’m sorry,” the Coast News Group reports.

Olejniczak Marodi was arrested on March 22, 2025, in Mexicali, Mexico, KTSM reports. She was then transferred to the U.S. Marshals at a U.S. port of entry and booked into jail on suspicion of murder.

On Aug. 4, Olejniczak Marodi pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and admitted that she used a knife to kill her wife, KTLA reports.

According to People, Olejniczak Marodi entered into a plea deal that lowered the charge from first- to second-degree murder. Deputy District Attorney Jared Coleman said the deal was a “consideration of many factors, maybe the most important of which was the desire of the victim’s family for closure.” 

Rebecca Marodi, who had served as a firefighter since 1992, had been promoted to captain in 2022, according to the Coast News Group. She also served as the caretaker of her elderly mother. 

According to her obituary, “At the age of 17, Becky answered a different kind of calling — the fire service. With unwavering dedication and bravery, she embarked on a career that was more than just a job; it was her passion. Becky’s commitment to protecting others and her fearless spirit made her a respected and admired member of the firefighting community.”

It continued, “She faced every challenge with strength and grace, earning the admiration of her colleagues and the gratitude of those she served. Becky will be remembered for her infectious smile, her kind heart, and the way she always put others before herself. Her love for her family and friends was boundless, and her impact on those around her will never be forgotten.”

According to KTLA, Olejniczak Marodi is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 2 and faces 36 years to life in prison.

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