{"id":17071,"date":"2025-03-01T17:26:27","date_gmt":"2025-03-01T17:26:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/?p=17071"},"modified":"2025-03-01T17:26:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-01T17:26:27","slug":"cal-fire-captain-rebecca-marodi-dies-at-49-new-investigation-details","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/?p=17071","title":{"rendered":"Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi Dies at 49 \u2013 New Investigation Details"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Police have moved swiftly in the investigation of Cal Fire Captain Rebecca \u201cBecky\u201d Marodi\u2019s death, which they are calling a homicide. The main suspect was seen on camera on the night of the murder and has since fled across the border.<\/p>\n<p>Days after the February 17, 2025, death of The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Captain Rebecca \u201cBecky\u201d Marodi, progress has been made. An arrest warrant has revealed the 49-year-old\u2019s final moments after she was found fatally stabbed in her California home.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7588-230x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"230\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-17072\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7588-230x300.jpeg 230w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7588-786x1024.jpeg 786w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7588-768x1001.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7588-1178x1536.jpeg 1178w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7588.jpeg 1199w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 230px) 100vw, 230px\" \/><br \/>\nAccording to authorities, the captain\u2019s wife murdered her before fleeing to Mexico. An arrest warrant filed at the San Diego County Superior Court on February 21 stated that Rebecca was discovered with multiple stab wounds in her Ramona home.<\/p>\n<p>The warrant further revealed that the victim\u2019s mother called 911 at around 9 p.m. and deputies arrived within minutes. However, Rebecca was pronounced dead at the scene about 15 minutes later.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7589-230x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"230\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-17073\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7589-230x300.jpeg 230w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7589-786x1024.jpeg 786w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7589-768x1001.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7589-1179x1536.jpeg 1179w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7589.jpeg 1208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 230px) 100vw, 230px\" \/><br \/>\nThe arrest warrant detailed how surveillance footage from the couple\u2019s home captured parts of the attack. It noted that at 8:08 p.m., Rebecca was seen running across the patio with her wife, Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olejniczak, in pursuit.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators revealed that the fire captain pleaded, \u201cYolanda! Please\u2026 I don\u2019t want to die,\u201d to which Yolanda responded, \u201cYou should have thought about that before.\u201d In the footage, Yolanda held a knife and ordered the victim to return indoors.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Slain Cal Fire captain pleaded for her life in chilling Ring video as cops hunt alleged killer wife: \u2018I don\u2019t want to die\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/alHVMx777I\">https:\/\/t.co\/alHVMx777I<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/l3ourkJoJ7\">pic.twitter.com\/l3ourkJoJ7<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; New York Post (@nypost) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/nypost\/status\/1894543867975786703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\nRebecca was heard repeatedly asking her wife to call 911 before the couple moved out of the camera\u2019s frame. This was the last time the fire captain was seen alive on camera. A few minutes later, the front door camera captured Yolanda loading the pets, luggage, and other belongings into a silver crossover SUV.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators stated that by 8:22 p.m., she had left the home. Homeland Security records have since shown her car crossing into Mexico less than an hour later, according to the warrant.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83d\udea8 SHOCKING: Slain Calif. fire captain caught on home security begging for her life before her wife allegedly killed her.<\/p>\n<p>Rebecca Marodi, 49, was stabbed to death\u2014her wife, Yolanda Marodi, is now on the run and believed to have fled the country. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ic6JcPkcCn\">pic.twitter.com\/ic6JcPkcCn<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Crime Briefcase (@CrimeBriefcase) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CrimeBriefcase\/status\/1894817536920953044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\nThe arrest warrant also revealed that in a further development in the case, an acquaintance of Yolanda\u2019s has come forward with a text message that was sent to them a day after the murder. The suspect wrote, \u201cBecky came home and told me she was leaving me, she met someone else, all the messages were lies.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the message, Yolanda expressed remorse, stating, \u201cWe had a big fight and I hurt her\u2026 I\u2019m sorry.\u201d Authorities disclosed that Rebecca sustained stab wounds to her chest, neck, and abdomen in the fatal attack.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Wife wanted in killing of Cal Fire captain, Rebecca Marodi, fled to Mexico, officials say <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/J4TRFETW2g\">https:\/\/t.co\/J4TRFETW2g<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Los Angeles Times (@latimes) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/latimes\/status\/1895226418327392741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 27, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\nThis isn\u2019t Yolanda\u2019s first brush with the law. The suspect, who remains at large, was sentenced in 2004 after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the fatal stabbing of her then-husband.<\/p>\n<p>Court records indicate that she served prison time for the crime until 2013. On February 26, San Diego County District Attorney\u2019s Office spokesperson Tanya Sierra said, \u201cWe are not able to discuss the facts or evidence in open cases.\u201d<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7590-297x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"297\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-17074\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7590-297x300.jpeg 297w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7590-1015x1024.jpeg 1015w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7590-768x775.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7590.jpeg 1199w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 297px) 100vw, 297px\" \/><br \/>\nOn February 18, 2025, the San Diego County Sheriff\u2019s Office announced the death of the Cal Fire Captain. The 49-year-old woman\u2019s death occurred the previous evening at around 8:58 p.m. in the 20200 block of Rancho Villa Road.<\/p>\n<p>In a statement on the County Sheriff\u2019s Office\u2019s website, police disclosed that they were investigating Rebecca\u2019s death as a homicide. Deputies from the Ramona Substation initially responded to a radio call about an assault with a deadly weapon at a residence in the area.<\/p>\n<p>They found the victim inside her home with multiple stab wounds. The deputies administered life-saving measures until Cal Fire paramedics arrived. Unfortunately, Rebecca succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.<\/p>\n<p>The Sheriff\u2019s Homicide Unit is now leading the investigation, with detectives working to contact persons of interest. They are also attempting to locate and apprehend the suspect promptly.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7591-240x300.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-17075\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7591-240x300.webp 240w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7591-820x1024.webp 820w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7591-768x959.webp 768w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7591.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><br \/>\nRebecca Marodi posing with a service dog on a November 12, 2024, post | Source: Instagram\/calfirerru | and comfortk9rvc<\/p>\n<p>Investigators initially stated that they believed Rebecca knew her attacker, leading them to treat the case as a potential domestic violence incident. However, the motive and circumstances surrounding the homicide remain unclear.<\/p>\n<p>The County Sheriff\u2019s Office concluded its statement with a heartfelt message, saying, \u201cOur thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Rebecca Marodi during this challenging time. The San Diego Sheriff\u2019s Office is dedicated to utilizing all available resources to thoroughly investigate this case and seek justice.\u201d<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7592-139x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"139\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-17076\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7592-139x300.png 139w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7592-473x1024.png 473w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7592-768x1662.png 768w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7592-710x1536.png 710w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7592-947x2048.png 947w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7592.png 1284w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 139px) 100vw, 139px\" \/><br \/>\nOn February 19, Cal Fire mourned the loss of its fallen captain, writing, \u201cIt is with great sadness that CAL FIRE reports the off-duty death of Fire Captain Rebecca \u2018Becky\u2019 Marodi. Captain Marodi served over 30 years with CAL FIRE, primarily in Riverside County, but also serving in San Bernardino and San Diego Counties.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Their statement concluded, \u201cThe tragic loss of Captain Marodi is mourned by her family, friends, and her CAL FIRE family.\u201d The Cal Fire San Diego Benevolent Fund has since created a fundraiser with a goal of $50,000. So far, $22,195 has been raised to honor Rebecca\u2019s legacy and support her family.<br \/>\nIn January, Rebecca was one of the brave firefighters who battled the Eaton Fire as it ravaged Los Angeles County. Capt. John Clingingsmith Jr., of Cal Fire Riverside County, recalled, \u201cShe was on her engine in one of our strike teams of fire engines that were sent to assist.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In a social media video posted by Cal Fire at the time, Rebecca was heard bravely saying, \u201cWhen we arrived on scene, fire (was) all around us.\u201d She continued, \u201cThe feeling that I got while we were trying to make a stance on this fire was overwhelming and sad.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Showing her dedication to her work, the firefighter captain concluded, \u201cI just wanted to be able to make a difference. At one point, we just said if we can save these three houses, let\u2019s do it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That same month, the late fire captain posted a video and photos of her in action, fighting fires in Pasadena. Over the years, Rebecca didn\u2019t only share photos of her working, but also of the good times she had with family and friends.<\/p>\n<p>In February 2024, she uploaded a fun throwback picture of herself sticking her tongue out while posing with family. She captioned the post, \u201cWe miss you every day papa but thank you for giving us so many beautiful morning sunrises to look at since you left.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In November 2024, she shared joyful images of Thanksgiving celebrations with her family and friends.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7593-290x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"290\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-17077\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7593-290x300.jpeg 290w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7593-988x1024.jpeg 988w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7593-768x796.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7593.jpeg 1196w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px\" \/><br \/>\nAccording to the non-profit running Rebecca\u2019s fundraiser, she began working as a volunteer firefighter in 1993 in Moreno Valley. She then served as a seasonal firefighter in Riverside and San Bernardino counties before becoming a fire apparatus engineer in 2007 and a captain in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>The late firefighter captain was the primary caregiver to her 77-year-old mother, who lived with her.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7594-191x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"191\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-17078\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7594-191x300.jpeg 191w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7594-651x1024.jpeg 651w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7594-768x1208.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7594-976x1536.jpeg 976w, https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7594.jpeg 1183w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 191px) 100vw, 191px\" \/><br \/>\nAnyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or after hours at (858) 868-3200. Anonymous tips are also welcomed and can be made to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.\/By Junie Sihlangu<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Police have moved swiftly in the investigation of Cal Fire Captain Rebecca \u201cBecky\u201d Marodi\u2019s death, which they are calling a homicide. The main suspect was seen on&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17079,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17071","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17071","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17071"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17071\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17080,"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17071\/revisions\/17080"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourtimenew.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}