The suspect and fugitive wife of a beloved slain California fire captain made her first court appearance and is one step closer to learning her fate. 

Following her arraignment hearing on Wednesday afternoon, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 53, is being charged with murder in the stabbing death of her spouse, Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, 49. 

Stephan’s office said Olejniczak Marodi pleaded not guilty at Wednesday’s hearing. 

Olejniczak Marodi is being held without bail and, if convicted, faces 25 years-to-life in prison.  

Authorities say the wife of California Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi has been identified has a suspect in her murder. (Yolanda Marodi Facebook)

Yolanda also previously served more than 13 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in the death of her then-husband, James Joseph Olejniczak Jr., before her release in 2013, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Investigators are still working to gather more information to determine the circumstances and motivation behind Capt. Marodi’s death.  

“This intimate partner homicide is a reminder that there are resources out there for individuals who are in fear for their safety,” Stephan said. 

A status conference and bail review hearing are set for April 28, and a preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for June 24.

Fox News’ Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.