Bliefnick case update: National media back in town this week and what his defense spent on its investigation

QUINCY – CBS News is in Quincy this week for production work on its “48 Hours” segment on the Tim Bliefnick murder case.

On May 31, Bliefnick was found guilty of killing his estranged wife, Becky, on Feb. 23, shooting her 14 times as they couple fought over a bitter divorce for two years.

While the news organization will be conducting multiple interviews with those involved in the case, the Quincy Police Department will not be participating.

Last week, Quincy Police Chief Adam Yates issued a news release saying his personnel would not be available for interviews regarding the case, which is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 11.

“This case generated a great deal of media attention from local, regional and national news
outlets,” Yates wrote. “Since the verdict, the Quincy Police Department has received numerous requests for interviews with QPD detectives to discuss the investigation. I have met with representatives of
the City of Quincy’s risk management and legal departments regarding these requests. Several
things were considered, including the fact the criminal case against Mr. Bliefnick is still active.
Therefore, it was decided that any requests for interviews with our officers or detectives will be
respectfully declined.”

While Bliefnick has been prosecuted and faces the possibility of multiple life sentences, defense attorney Casey Schnack said her client would be appealing the decision.

Also last week, Schnack reimbursed Adams County $3,650 of the $5,000 her firm was advanced to pay for private investigators in the Bliefnick case.

On April 12, Judge Robert Adrian ruled Bliefnick indigent after he filled out an affidavit of his assets and liabilities based on the Circuit Court’s freezing of the assets contested in the divorce case.

Schnack asked the court for $10,000 to pay for the private investigators, but Adrian ruled the firm would be provided $5,000 to start and receive another $5,000 if needed. 

Schnack spent $1,350 overall with Midwest Professional Investigations. Adams County officials say Bliefnick does not have to pay that amount back.