California woman arrested in Mexico for murder of fire captain wife

Yolanda Marodi, 53, was arrested Saturday at a hotel in Mexicali, located near the US border. She was later transferred to US marshals in San Diego, where she was booked for the murder of 49-year-old Rebecca Marodi, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Rebecca Marodi, a captain with Cal Fire, was fatally stabbed in her home on February 17. Following the incident, Yolanda fled across the border into Mexico, and was quickly named a primary suspect, reports Fox News. Authorities released surveillance footage showing Yolanda arguing with Rebecca and physically assaulting her on the day of the stabbing.

According to the arrest warrant obtained by KABC, Rebecca had told Yolanda nearly a week before the murder that she was leaving her and ending their marriage. The surveillance footage also showed Yolanda leaving their home shortly before Rebecca’s mother arrived. When Rebecca was found, she had multiple stab wounds to her neck, chest, and back.

Yolanda had a criminal history, having previously served more than 13 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in the 2002 death of her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak Jr. She was released in 2013.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the motive behind Marodi's tragic death.