Wife of Slain Cal Fire Captain Ordered to Stand Trial for Murder

Yolanda Marodi accused of fatally stabbing her wife, a veteran state firefighter, at their Ramona home and then fleeing to Mexico

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A woman accused of fatally stabbing her wife, a veteran state firefighter, at their Ramona home and then fleeing to Mexico, was ordered to stand trial for murder. Yolanda Marodi, 54, is accused of killing her spouse of two years, Cal Fire Capt. Rebecca "Becky" Marodi, at the couple's Rancho Villa Road home on the night of Feb. 17, 2025.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence, even in relationships that may have appeared stable on the surface. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's handling of repeat offenders and the need for stronger safeguards to protect victims of abuse.

The details

According to testimony, the 49-year-old victim sustained 23 stab wounds to her neck, chest and abdomen. The day after the slaying, the suspect sent someone a text message stating, "Becky came home and told me she was leaving me, she met someone else, all the messages were lies. We had a big fight and I hurt her ... I'm sorry." Footage from a Ring camera captured images of Rebecca Marodi fleeing their home as her wife chased her, with the victim heard calling out for her mother and pleading, "I don't want to die," before the pair re-entered the home.

  • On February 17, 2025, Yolanda Marodi allegedly killed her wife, Cal Fire Capt. Rebecca "Becky" Marodi, at their Ramona home.
  • The day after the killing, Yolanda Marodi allegedly sent a text message admitting to the crime.
  • About 10 minutes after the attack, Yolanda Marodi was recorded on a security camera loading items into a vehicle and fleeing the scene.
  • Yolanda Marodi allegedly crossed the U.S.-Mexico border about an hour after the killing.
  • Mexican authorities arrested Yolanda Marodi near a hotel in Mexicali, Mexico, just over a month later.

The players

Yolanda Marodi

A 54-year-old woman accused of fatally stabbing her wife, Cal Fire Capt. Rebecca "Becky" Marodi, at their Ramona home and then fleeing to Mexico.

Rebecca "Becky" Marodi

A 49-year-old Cal Fire captain who was killed by her wife, Yolanda Marodi, at their Ramona home.

Lorena Marodi

The victim's mother, who lived at the home with her daughter and daughter-in-law.

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What they’re saying

“Becky came home and told me she was leaving me, she met someone else, all the messages were lies. We had a big fight and I hurt her ... I'm sorry.”

— Yolanda Marodi (Text message sent the day after the killing)

“She and Becky had some things to work out, but there wouldn't be any fighting”

— Yolanda Marodi (Conversation with Lorena Marodi on the day of the killing)

“Is that Becky?”

— Firefighter (Overheard by sheriff's deputy at the scene)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide in April whether to allow Yolanda Marodi out on bail, and a trial date has been tentatively set for June.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater awareness and prevention of domestic violence, even in seemingly stable relationships. It also raises concerns about the criminal justice system's handling of repeat offenders and the importance of robust safeguards to protect victims of abuse.