Warning: This story contains details of family and partner violence.
Yolanda Marodi has been sentenced to 36 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to the second-degree murder of her wife, California Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi.
The guilty plea was entered one month before the case was scheduled to go to trial.
Yolanda, 54, previously spent a decade in prison after pleading guilty to the voluntary manslaughter of an estranged partner in 2003.
Rebecca was killed on 17 February 2025 in what prosecutors described as a domestic violence incident. The killing occurred a week after Rebecca told Yolanda she wanted to end their marriage.
According to court proceedings, Rebecca was stabbed multiple times inside the couple’s home in Ramona.
Part of the incident was captured by a security camera at the home. The recording reportedly captured Rebecca telling her wife she did not want to die, to which Yolanda responded: “You should have thought about that before.”
Rebecca Marodi served in the California firefighting service for more than 30 years.
Approximately an hour after Rebecca’s death, Yolanda crossed the border into Mexico. Rebecca’s body was later discovered by her mother, who contacted emergency services. Rebecca was pronounced dead at the scene.
Yolanda was arrested by Mexican authorities a month later and returned to the United States.
During the court proceedings, Rebecca’s mother, Lorena Marodi, delivered a victim impact statement in memory of her daughter.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said the case highlighted the need for greater focus on domestic violence prevention.
“This was a vicious murder of a respected and dedicated Fire Captain who devoted her entire career to serving her community,” Stephan said.
“This case also shows that no one is immune to domestic violence, which is one of the most hidden and dangerous forms of violence we confront. We can honour Captain Rebecca Marodi’s memory by working together to protect victims of domestic violence and hold their abusers accountable.
“I am grateful to Deputy District Attorneys Maura Duffey and Jared Coleman, who prosecuted this case with care.”
Do you need support?
If someone is in immediate danger, in Australia call 000.
Support and counselling are available from:
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 1800respect.org.au
National domestic, family and sexual violence counselling service.
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 mensline.org.au
Support for men and boys experiencing family and relationship difficulties.
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491
Support for men concerned about their own violent or controlling behaviour.
Say It Loud sayitoutloud.org.au
Say It Out Loud encourages LGBTQA+ communities to have healthy relationships, get help for unhealthy relationships and support their friends.
QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.
DISCHARGED: info@discharged.asn.au / discharged.asn.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention
