A relative of an Illinois mother of three discovered her body riddled with bullets when the relative went to check on her February 23. Rebecca Bliefnick, 41, never showed up to pick up her sons from St. Peter School in Quincy that day, causing concern. After police arrived at her home at 3:23 p.m., Bliefnick was pronounced dead.
Police have searched another home reportedly believed to be the residence of Timothy Bliefnick, Rebecca Bliefnick's estranged husband, in connection with her death, WGEM reported. Police detained him for a short time, but he has since been released. According to the Quincy Police Department, there have been no arrests, and police are investigating her death as a homicide.
Police stayed on the crime scene for hours after discovering Rebecca Bliefnick's body.
The investigation into Bliefnick's death began immediately, and police worked late into the night collecting evidence and interviewing potential witnesses, according to WGEM. Quincy Police Department Deputy Chief of Operations Michael Tyler said investigators were reviewing neighbors' doorbell and security camera footage that allegedly showed images of people walking through yards.
"We're working hard on it," Tyler said last week, according to WGEM. "We have eight detectives and multiple agencies helping us out on this, plus we had a lot of patrol officers working on it. So we're hoping that we can develop some leads."
Police descended on what is reportedly Timothy Bliefnick's home days after the killing.
Friends of Rebecca Bliefnick allege that Timothy Bliefnick lives at the home police were seen searching after her death. according to KHQA. The Quincy Police Department deployed multiple people, including detectives, officers, and emergency response team members, with a warrant to search the home.
The resident was reportedly taken into custody without incident and released shortly afterward. Police have neither confirmed nor denied if that resident is Timothy Bliefnick.
Authorities made it clear that the department has not submitted an arrest warrant.
The police department posted an update on the case on Facebook on Wednesday, outlining what authorities know so far. Although they have interviewed witnesses and potential suspects, they have not arrested anyone. The post explains that this is a criminal investigation and authorities are following proper protocols.
"During a criminal investigation it is not unusual to obtain and serve numerous search warrants for a variety of reasons. Search warrants are a normal part of the investigative process," the post reads. "Our detectives will allow the information and evidence to guide them as they continue to investigate."
The update also reiterated that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
This type of crime is rare in the tight-knit community.
Quincy Police Chief Adam Yates addressed the Quincy City Council on Monday regarding the case but gave no reasons as to why investigators have released little information, the Herald & Review reported.
"I have been outspoken about the importance of transparency in law enforcement; it is something I believe in very strongly," Yates said, according to the newspaper. "Regarding cases like this, however, I make no apologies for being tight-lipped."
Yates said the last time this type of crime occurred in Quincy was in 2019. He added that law enforcement and investigators are working around the clock to help identify what happened to Rebecca Bliefnick.
"We are fortunate to live in a community where violent crime such as this, is rare," he said. "When it happens, it is devastating. Nothing I say here tonight will put our community at ease. Making an arrest in this case is the only way to do that. We are working very hard to make that happen. This investigation is our highest priority."
Rebecca Bliefnick's family says she was a loving, selfless person.
On Facebook, Bret Reilly posted the obituary written by his wife, Sarah Reilly, Bliefnick's sister, which speaks lovingly about her sister.
"Becky's friends and colleagues regale countless stories of how she brightened their lives, going above and beyond with her time, energy, and generosity. From dropping in to check on a friend with a migraine, to dropping off a crib to a friend in need AND staying to help assemble it, she paid it forward—small gestures with lasting impact," the obituary reads in part. "She always found a way to highlight the achievements of others while never demanding the spotlight, although she deserved it often."
Family and friends shared love and condolences for her family, including sons Deacon, Grayson, and Arlin, who tragically lost their mother.
"What a stunning depiction of your sister, Sarah. Proud of your strength in writing this tribute," one person wrote. "What a tremendous human."
"Sarah and Bret, there are no words. We are all just so, so very sorry," another comment reads. "She sounds like a truly wonderful person. I have two sisters — I cannot imagine your pain. Sending so much love."
The investigation into Rebecca Bliefnick's death is ongoing, and officials ask anyone with information to speak with a detective by calling the Quincy Police Department at 217-228-4470.
