RAMONA, Calif. (KFMB) – An investigation is underway after a California fire captain was stabbed to death in her home, with authorities suspecting she knew her killer.
Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, a 49-year-old captain with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, was fatally stabbed Monday night in the Ramona home she shared with her mother.
San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon about 8:58 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Marodi suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by Cal Fire paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances and motivation behind the homicide remain unclear. However, the incident is being investigated as a potential domestic violence case, with authorities suspecting the victim knew her assailant.
Cal Fire crews held a procession from Marodi’s home to the San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office on Tuesday morning.
Marodi dedicated over 30 years to fire service, starting her career in 1993 in Moreno Valley as a volunteer firefighter, according to a press release from Cal Fire and the Riverside County Fire Department. She was promoted to captain in 2022.
“Her passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her,” the release said. “We extend our deepest condolences to Captain Marodi’s loved ones and stand together in remembrance of her extraordinary life and service.”
Monika Evans, who lived across the street from Marodi, describes her as a friendly neighbor. She says she is emotional about her death and worried about its impact to the neighborhood.
“It’s very tragic, very heartbreaking,” Evans said. “She was very outgoing and very nice… She was very sweet and very kind and everything else. Had a sense of humor, too.”
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about this incident to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 to remain anonymous.
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