225: Stalked, Harassed, & Shot 14x on the Bathroom Floor! The Twisted Case of Becky Bliefnick
Serialously with Annie Elise
Deep Dive
Why was Becky Bliefnick's death particularly shocking?
Becky was a beloved nurse and mother of three, described as the perfect girl-next-door. Her brutal murder in a quiet Quincy, Illinois neighborhood left the community in shock.
How was Becky Bliefnick murdered?
Becky was shot 14 times in her home. She was shot nine times in the chest, three times in her right arm, and once in her left hand. The gunshot wounds were not immediately fatal, and she bled to death while paralyzed.
What evidence suggested that Becky's home was broken into?
Investigators found a window on the second floor of the house that had been tampered with, likely using a crowbar. There was also a shoe print near the window and a lawn chair placed beneath it, suggesting the intruder climbed in.
What role did surveillance footage play in the investigation?
Neighboring security cameras captured a person walking near Becky's house on February 22nd and 14th, both times around 1 a.m. Additionally, a bus barn's cameras showed someone riding a bike toward Becky's house on those same nights, suggesting the person was casing the property.
Why did the police initially suspect Becky's boyfriend, Ted Johnson?
The police always start by questioning the partner in cases like this. Ted was questioned about his whereabouts and relationship with Becky. However, his alibi checked out, and there was no evidence linking him to the crime.
What was the motive behind Becky's murder, according to the prosecution?
The prosecution believed Tim killed Becky to avoid unfavorable divorce terms. The murder occurred one week before they were due in court to finalize their divorce, and Tim wanted full custody of the children and no child support.
What incriminating evidence did the police find in Tim Bleifnick's home?
The police found a crowbar and a multi-tool that could have been used to break into Becky's house. They also discovered gloves, bullets matching the ones used in the crime, and plastic bags from Aldi that matched pieces of plastic found at the crime scene.
What alarming Google searches did Tim Bleifnick make?
Tim made searches like 'how to open a window from the outside,' 'can you wash off gunshot residue,' 'how to make a homemade pistol silencer,' and 'average Quincy, Illinois police response time.' These searches suggested he was planning the murder.
How did Tim Bleifnick's appearance change after his arrest?
In his Family Feud appearance, Tim had a clean-shaven face and neatly cut hair. In his mugshot, he had scraggly facial hair, long, greasy hair, and looked unkempt. This change was seen as a reflection of his mental state after the murder.
What was the outcome of Tim Bleifnick's trial?
Tim was found guilty of first-degree murder and home invasion. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He has since appealed the conviction, arguing that some evidence should not have been admitted.
- Becky Bliefnick, a 41-year-old nurse and mother of three, was found murdered in her home.
- Her death was caused by multiple gunshot wounds.
- Evidence suggests a forced entry into her house.
- A neighbor's security camera captured footage of someone walking by Becky's house in the days leading up to the murder.
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