The Text Message That Could Explain a Fire Captain's Death

Cal Fire Captain Rebecca "Becky" Marodi spent her life saving others — but no one saved her. Rebecca, 49, was found stabbed to death at her home in Ramona, California, on Feb. 17, 2025. Police have named her wife, Yolanda Marodi — also known as Yolanda Olejniczak — as the suspect. Authorities believe Yolanda fled to Mexico with the couple's pets shortly after the murder. Now, chilling security footage and disturbing texts are shedding light on the deadly unraveling of their troubled marriage.

From Love to Control: How It All Started Going Wrong

Becky and Yolanda seemed like a perfect match at first. They bonded over their love for motorcycles and outdoor adventures, marrying in 2022. Ami Mahler Salinas Davis, a close friend, said the couple initially seemed happy and adventurous.

But things changed after Yolanda's lupus diagnosis last year. Yolanda grew possessive and controlling, friends say. Becky, once independent and outgoing, started seeking Yolanda's approval before making plans. "Yolanda was trying to isolate Beck," Davis told the Los Angeles Times. Yolanda didn't trust Becky's independence. According to Davis' wife, Aisha, Yolanda said Becky was too flirty to be trusted out in public.

Friends also noticed Yolanda cutting Rebecca off from her support network. When Davis and Becky talked about starting a small business, Yolanda immediately shut it down.

Becky's mother, Lorena Marodi, told police that Becky had decided to leave the marriage. Just a week before her death, Becky told Yolanda she had met someone else and was moving on.

'I Don't Want to Die': The Final Moments

On Feb. 17, 2025, home security footage captured a horrifying scene. Becky, bleeding from multiple stab wounds, ran across the patio while Yolanda allegedly chased her with a knife.

"Yolanda! Please ... I don't want to die," Becky screamed, according to the arrest warrant, as reported by PEOPLE.

"You should have thought about that before," Yolanda reportedly replied.

Becky begged for help, asking Yolanda to call 911. Instead, reports say Yolanda loaded the couple's pets and her luggage into a silver 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and drove off. Surveillance footage showed her wearing different clothes and allegedly covered in blood.

Hours later, Yolanda's SUV was spotted crossing into Mexico. Police believe she's hiding out with friends or family there.

A Troubling Text Message

According to an arrest warrant reviewed by PEOPLE, Yolanda allegedly texted an acquaintance the day after her wife's death, saying that Becky had told her she was leaving. Yolanda claimed Becky had met someone else and that everything she had said before was a lie.

"We had a big fight, and I hurt her. ... I'm sorry," the message reportedly read.

A Hidden History Comes to Light

This isn't the first time Yolanda has been accused of killing a spouse. In 2004, she pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of her then-husband, James Olejniczak. She served nearly a decade in prison before her release in 2013.

Friends say Yolanda never disclosed her past. Ami and Aisha Davis say Yolanda often portrayed herself as a survivor of bad relationships but never mentioned she had killed a spouse. Ami Davis told the Los Angeles Times, "We had a lot of conversations about trauma but it was always framed as if she was a survivor of terrible relationships or her upbringing."

Where Is Yolanda?

Authorities believe Yolanda fled to Mexico with the couple's two dogs. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that it has alerted authorities on both sides of the border and consider her dangerous.

Becky's friends and family have started a fundraising effort to cover funeral costs and support her mother — Becky was her primary caretaker.

Yolanda's location is currently unknown, but she is suspected to be in Mexico. This investigation is ongoing.

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233.

References: Suspect's Texts Reveal Possible Motive for Killing of Cal Fire Chief: 'I Hurt Her' | Wife sought in killing of Cal Fire captain fled to Mexico, authorities say | Friends of slain Cal Fire captain offer glimpse into 'controlling' marriage to fugitive wife