An Illinois man who appeared on “Family Feud” with his family has been charged with mu*rder in the home invasion death of his wife, whose bullet-riddled body was discovered after she failed to pick up their three children from school.
Timothy Bliefnick, 39, of Quincy, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree mu*rder and one count of home invasion, according to police.
“This brutal crime has had the Quincy community on edge and our residents living in fear,” Quincy Police Chief Adam Yates said on the department’s Facebook page.
“I hope today’s announcement helps to alleviate some of those concerns.”
Rebecca Bliefnick, 41, was discovered dead at her Kentucky Road home on February 23.
The couple had been separated for several years and were going through divorce proceedings when Rebecca died, according to KHQA, citing court documents that were later removed from Illinois’ public records website after a judge ordered them sealed.
According to the deleted documents, Rebecca or a local domestic violence organization working on her behalf filed restraining orders against Tim and his father.
Tim appeared on the popular TV game show “Family Feud” with his family in 2020, and KHQA covered their viewing party.
Rebecca’s family expressed joy at her arrest.
“While today’s arrest is a step toward closure, this journey is far from over, and the investigation continues,” they said, according to Fox News Digital.
“Our top priority is still to protect and love Becky’s sons, who were the light of her life.” We will love and care for them in the ways we know she would want as we continue to mourn,” the family added.
Tim worked in business development at Quincy Farm Products, according to a recent LinkedIn profile cited by KHQA.
According to Philip Hildebrand Jr., the company’s vice president of finance and administration, the suspect is no longer an employee and the company is cooperating with police.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rebecca Bliefnick and her family, and we’re hoping for justice,” Hildebrand told the publication.
Tim was being held without bond at the Adams County Jail.
Casey Schnack, his lawyer, told Fox News Digital that she was planning a series of court filings “to protect his interests and preserve his constitutional rights.”
“I requested but have not received copies of the charging document and arrest warrant,” she said, adding that Tim had never been arrested before and that the couple’s three sons had never been removed from their home due to domestic violence.
Meanwhile, an online fundraiser for a scholarship in Rebecca’s name has been launched.
“Despite the circumstances of her death, she is remembered for the life she cherished — a life of compassion, generosity, faith, and fierce love for her family,” Sarah Reilly, her sister, wrote.
“She leaves behind three young children and an entire community that adored her above all else.” Becky had always imagined herself working hands-on in the medical field, so it came as no surprise when she chose a career in nursing — her true calling — where she could provide care and comfort to people on a daily basis,” she added.
