Woman who fatally stabbed husband 2 decades ago admits to fatally stabbing firefighter wife

A woman in California admitted on Tuesday that she stabbed her wife to death last year, more than two decades after facing prison time for killing her ex-husband in a similar manner.

A woman in California admitted on Tuesday that she stabbed her wife to death last year, more than two decades after facing prison time for killing her ex-husband in a similar manner.

Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 54, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the the death of her wife, Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, 49, a respected California firefighter. She was arrested in connection with the crime last year after fleeing to Mexico.

Rebecca Marodi was found dead in her San Diego County home on Feb. 17, 2025, with several injuries to her neck, chest and back “consistent with a stabbing,” the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said at the time.

Her wife “was seen on surveillance video earlier in the evening arguing with Rebecca and physically assaulting her,” according to the sheriff’s office.

Rebecca Marodi’s mother, Lorena Marodi, found her daughter with multiple stab wounds and called for help, according to the sheriff’s office. Life saving measures were performed on site, but Rebecca Marodi succumbed to her injuries.