Illinois mom found dead of multiple gunshot wounds after she failed to pick her sons up from school

Police investigating the death of a mother-of-three who was shot multiple times have raided the home of her estranged husband.

Rebecca Bliefnick, 41, was found dead in her home by a family member on February 23, after they became concerned that she had not collected her three children from St Peter School in Quincy, Illinois.

Officers swooped on a house on Hampshire Street at 8am on Wednesday, just a mile away from Rebecca’s property on Kentucky Road.

Her husband, Tim Bliefnick, 39, lives at the location, and it is understood that the pair were undergoing divorce proceedings.

Sources say that business developer Bliefnick was ‘very cooperative’ with officers, and handed over his keys to the home, which he rents, and his car. 

Rebecca Bliefnick, 41, was found dead in her home by a family member on February 23, after they became concerned that she had not collected her three children from St Peter School in Quincy, Illinois

Sources say that Bliefnick (pictured right  at the property on Wednesday morning) was ‘very cooperative’ with officers, and handed over his keys to the home, which he rents, and his car

Police have yet to make an arrest in the murder of the mother-of-three and urged the public to be ‘patient’ with them

Bliefnick was stopped by officers outside of the property, and taken to a relative’s house following the conversation with officers, according to Muddy River News. 

Quincy Police confirmed that they raided the home, and a person was ‘temporarily detained’ but was subsequently released. 

They stressed that no arrests have been made in connection with the murder, and they have not submitted an arrest warrant.

Rebecca’s estranged husband does not own the property which was raided, and it is unclear who was detained by police. 

Concerned family members raised the alarm after Rebecca, a nurse, failed to collect her three sons from school.  

Officers responded to her home at 3.32pm and have remained on site since, removing evidence from the property. 

Police Chief Adam Yates said that such a violent crime is ‘rare’ in the small town, which has only 40,000 residents.

In a statement, the police department said: ‘There were no injures reported during the service of the warrant. As part of the warrant service, an individual was temporarily detained in the 2000 block of Hampshire and released. 

Her husband, Tim Bliefnick, 39,  (right) is listed as living at the property along with several others, and it is understood that the pair were undergoing divorce proceedings.

Bliefnick was stopped by officers outside of his home, and taken to a relative’s property following the conversation with officers, according to Muddy River News

Rebecca’s estranged husband does not own the property which has been raided, and it is unclear who was detained by police

‘The information learned and evidence gathered over the last six days has led us to this point in our investigation. 

‘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. 

‘Our detectives will allow the information and evidence to guide them as they continue to investigate. 

‘The Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Adams County Ambulance Service assisted with the service of the search warrant. 

‘It is important to remember that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.’

Authorities previously said that they have eight detectives working on the case, as friends and family of Rebecca shared a ‘Justice for Becky’ image, with the police department number on.

Rebecca and Tim are understood to have married in 2009, but at the time of her death were going through divorce proceedings though nothing was finalized. 

The couple have three sons together, but were living separately at the time of her death, with court records showing their split was filed in February 2021. 

Rebecca (pictured left) with a friend in a Facebook post

Officers swooped on a home on Hampshire Street at 8am on Wednesday, just a mile away from Rebecca’s home on Kentucky Road

Rebecca was married to Tim Bliefnick, and the couple had three sons, but it is understood they were living separately at the time of her death

Adams County Medical Examiner did not immediately respond when contacted by DailyMail.com for a request for comment.

Police confirmed that they were keeping an open mind, appealing for additional witnesses and have not ruled anyone out as a suspect.

In a statement Police Chief Yates said that the investigation is ‘difficult’ and they ‘take time’, before promising that ‘an incredible amount of work is going on behind the scenes.’

He added: ‘The Quincy community has not experienced a crime of this magnitude since early 2019. All death is tragic; the circumstances of Ms. Bliefnick’s murder are incomprehensible.

‘Our community is shaken, on edge and they want answers. The members of our police department dedicate their lives to protecting the members of our community.

‘When a crime like this occurs, it becomes our mission to ensure there is justice for the victim and a restored sense of security for our residents.

Officers responded to her home at 3.32pm and have remained on site since, removing evidence from the property

Rebecca and Tim are understood to have married in 2009, but at the time of her death were going through divorce proceedings though nothing was finalized

‘We have only one chance to get it right. Ms. Bliefnick deserves our best and that is exactly what we intend to give her.

‘We are fortunate to live in a community where violent crime such as this is rare. 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.

‘Again, offer my condolences to Ms. Bliefnick’s family and friends. May God be with them, her and with the investigators seeking justice on her behalf.’

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Quincy Police Department at 217-228-4470. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip through Quincy Regional Crimestoppers 217-228-4474.