“Ghost Rider”: Dateline Reports on Becky Bliefnick Homicide March 8 2025

This Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT, Dateline presents an in-depth look at the tragic murder of nurse and mother-of-three Becky Bliefnick. The episode, titled “Ghost Rider,” investigates the chilling crime that shook Quincy, Illinois. Correspondent Dennis Murphy reports on the evidence that led to the arrest and conviction of Becky’s estranged husband, Tim Bliefnick, whose behavior and internet searches painted a damning picture of premeditated murder.

Through exclusive interviews with key figures, including Quincy Police Chief Adam Yates and Assistant State Attorneys Josh Jones and Laura Keck, Dateline explores how a seemingly loving marriage spiraled into hostility and ultimately ended in cold-blooded murder. The episode also examines the crucial role of security footage in building the case against Tim Bliefnick.

The Life and Legacy of Becky Bliefnick

Becky Bliefnick was a devoted mother and a respected nurse at Blessing Hospital. Known for her kindness and dedication to patient care, she was the recipient of The Daisy Award, a recognition given to exceptional nurses. She was actively involved in her children’s lives and had been navigating the challenges of divorce when her life was tragically cut short.

Friends and family describe Becky as compassionate and hardworking, someone who persevered despite personal difficulties. Her marriage to Tim Bliefnick had been deteriorating for years, and by early 2023, the couple was entangled in a bitter divorce and custody battle. Becky had even voiced concerns about her safety, warning loved ones that if anything happened to her, Tim should be considered the prime suspect.

A Crime Scene That Told a Story

On February 23, 2023, Becky was found shot 14 times in her Quincy home. The discovery was made by her father, who immediately called 911. The gruesome nature of the crime suggested a targeted attack, and investigators quickly ruled out robbery since nothing was stolen.

The crime scene provided key evidence. A window in one of her children’s bedrooms had been pried open, showing how the killer gained access. A partial shoeprint was found near the point of entry, but no clear fingerprints or DNA initially pointed to a suspect. Small fragments of plastic were scattered around Becky’s body, which investigators later identified as remnants of an ALDI grocery bag—an unusual detail that would later become crucial in the case.

Becky’s phone was found behind her bedroom door, and forensic analysis revealed that she had attempted to call 911 just moments before she was killed. Her incomplete dial—91126—indicated a desperate but unsuccessful attempt to summon help as the attacker entered her room.

Suspicion Falls on Tim Bliefnick

From the start, Becky’s family suspected her estranged husband, Tim Bliefnick. Their divorce had become contentious, and Tim had exhibited controlling behavior in the past. Divorce records revealed disputes over finances, property, and custody of their three young sons. Becky had texted her sister Sarah a year before her death, stating, “If something ever happens to me, please make sure the number one person of interest is Tim.”

Authorities also learned that Becky had sought an order of protection against Tim’s father, citing concerns about his access to the children. This legal battle was set to be a focal point in their divorce trial, scheduled just one week after Becky’s murder. Prosecutors later argued that Tim may have been motivated by a desire to prevent damaging testimony about his family from being revealed in court.

The ‘Ghost Rider’: Surveillance Footage That Raised Red Flags

As police investigated, they uncovered security footage from Becky’s neighborhood that captured a mysterious figure lurking near her home. On February 14, 2023—Valentine’s Day—an individual was seen walking down the driveway toward the back of Becky’s house. Less than an hour later, the person was seen leaving. A similar incident was recorded 24 hours before Becky’s murder.

Additional footage from a nearby school bus lot captured a person riding a bicycle toward Becky’s home around the time of the murder and leaving shortly afterward. Authorities began calling this unknown suspect the “Ghost Rider.” The individual’s identity remained unclear, but the pattern suggested someone was surveilling Becky’s house before carrying out the attack.

Investigators soon found an abandoned blue Schwinn bicycle—without reflectors—less than half a block from Tim Bliefnick’s residence. They later discovered that Tim had purchased a similar bike on Facebook Marketplace using a fake account under the name John Smith.

Key Evidence: A Trail of Damning Clues

Authorities executed a search warrant at Tim Bliefnick’s home and uncovered troubling evidence. Among the items seized were:

• A stack of ALDI grocery bags, similar to the fragments found at the crime scene. Prosecutors suggested that Tim had fired his gun through an ALDI bag, either to muffle the sound or to catch shell casings.
• A crowbar, found in Tim’s basement, that was microscopically consistent with the tool marks left on Becky’s window.
• A collection of 9mm shell casings, 27 of which were found to have been fired from the same gun used in Becky’s murder.
• Internet searches on Tim’s phone, including “how to make a homemade pistol silencer,” “how to open a door with a crowbar,” and “how to clean gunpowder off hands.”

Prosecutors argued that this overwhelming digital and physical evidence left no doubt about Tim’s guilt.

The Trial: A Case Built on Circumstantial and Forensic Evidence

Tim Bliefnick’s trial began on May 23, 2023. The prosecution presented a case centered on digital footprints, surveillance footage, and forensic analysis. While no murder weapon was found, the accumulation of evidence painted a clear picture of premeditation.

Tim’s defense attorney, Casey Schnack, argued that the case was built on circumstantial evidence and that investigators failed to consider other potential suspects. She claimed that the bike found near Tim’s home could not be definitively linked to the crime and that the ALDI bag evidence was weak since many households keep such bags.

Despite these arguments, the prosecution’s case remained strong. Testimony from Becky’s family and friends reinforced the notion that she had feared for her life. Expert witnesses testified that the shell casings from Tim’s home matched those from the crime scene, and phone records demonstrated his suspicious online activity.

Verdict and Sentencing

After four hours of deliberation, the jury found Tim Bliefnick guilty of first-degree murder. On August 11, 2023, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Judge Robert Adrian, addressing Tim directly, stated:

“You researched this murder. You planned this murder. You broke into her house, and you shot her 14 times. The court believes that the appropriate sentence is natural life in prison.”

Tim maintains his innocence and has filed an appeal. However, prosecutors and Becky’s family believe that justice has been served.

A Community Forever Changed

Becky’s murder sent shockwaves through Quincy, Illinois. Her three sons now live with their maternal grandparents, who are in the process of adopting them. Becky’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to support the children’s future.

Her tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing warning signs. As her sister Sarah Reilly put it:

“If someone tells you they are scared, believe them. Take action. We didn’t act fast enough, and we lost Becky because of it.”

Conclusion

The Dateline episode “Ghost Rider” offers an in-depth look at the tragic murder of Becky Bliefnick, the complex investigation that followed, and the trial that brought her killer to justice. Through exclusive interviews and never-before-seen evidence, this episode sheds light on a case that captivated the nation and serves as a cautionary tale of domestic violence taken to its most extreme end.