Suspect identified in fatal stabbing of Cal Fire captain

The San Diego Sheriff's Office says it has identified a suspect in the fatal stabbing of a Cal Fire captain who was found Monday in her San Diego-area home.

Rebecca Marodi was found Monday night by deputies responding to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. The 49-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Thursday, the sheriff's office identified the suspect as Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olejniczak, 53. Her whereabouts are unknown, the sheriff's office said, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the authorities.

In a statement Tuesday, the Sheriff's Office said they believed that Marodi knew her assailant and are treating the case as a potential domestic violence incident.

Rebecca Marodi was a 32-year fire service veteran, starting as a volunteer in 1993 and working in San Bernardino and Riverside. In 2007 she became a fire apparatus engineer and was promoted by Cal Fire to captain in 2022.

"Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her," Cal Fire said. "We extend our deepest condolences to Captain Marodi’s loved ones and stand together in remembrance of her extraordinary life and service."