No pleas discussed, no delays: Bliefnick murder trial to start Monday

QUINCY — Jury selection begins Monday in the first-degree murder trial of Tim Bliefnick, who is accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife three months ago.

Bliefnick and his attorney, Casey Schnack, appeared before Judge Robert Adrian along with Assistant State’s Attorneys Josh Jones and Laura Keck Friday morning.

The attorneys confirmed no plea arrangements had been discussed and the list of witnesses for both the defense and the prosecution is complete.

Adrian said the jury pool was down to 71 people and they would begin voir dire at 9 a.m. Monday. There will be an afternoon session beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Prospective jurors will be brought in four at a time to face questioning. Each attorney is allowed to reject seven potential jurors before 12 jurors and four alternates are chosen.

Potential witnesses are usually not allowed to be in the courtroom, but one is being allowed in: Tim Bliefnick’s father, Ray, as the prosecution did not object to his attendance.

Opening arguments are expected to begin Tuesday. The prosecution said it may call as many as 70 witnesses and their testimonies could take up most of the week. Schnack said she anticipated needing two days to call defense witnesses.

If the witness testimonies remain on schedule, closing arguments should take place no later than Friday, June 2.

Tim Bliefnick is accused of shooting Rebecca Bliefnick multiple times at her Kentucky Road home on Feb. 23. He was arrested on March 13 and later charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion. He remains in the Adams County Jail without bond.

Pool photos provided by Matt Hopf, Herald-Whig.