Former 'Family Feud' Contestant Sentenced To Life For Murdering His Estranged Wife

An Illinois man who was once a contestant on Family Feud has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering his estranged wife.

On Feb. 23, 2023, Rebecca Bliefnick, a 41-year-old nurse and mother of three boys, was found dead in her Illinois home from multiple gunshot wounds.

On March 13, after weeks of thoroughly investigating the death, police arrested and charged her estranged husband Timothy W. Bliefnick, 39, with two counts of first-degree murder and home invasion in connection with his wife's murder. He was taken to the Adams County Jail without bond.

Josh Jones, the lead trial attorney with the Adams County State's Attorney office, stated in a press conference, "It was not a random act of violence. However, it is equally as important to recognize the event for what it is — an act of domestic violence."

Timothy is a former football star who had previously appeared with some family members on the long-running game show Family Feud. While on the show, which taped in 2019, host Steve Harvey asked the question, “What's the biggest mistake you made at your wedding?” to which Timothy answered: “Saying I do,” TMZ reported.

His lawyer insisted on his innocence, telling PEOPLE, "The state's attorney's office appears to be coming out with a narrative that this was an act of domestic violence. And the fact of the matter is, there was no domestic violence that we are aware of. Tim does not have a criminal history. He's never been arrested for battery, domestic battery, anything violent, anything ever."

Rebecca and Timothy had married in 2009, but they were separated for years and were in the process of getting a divorce when she was killed, reported KHQA News. Rebecca had previously filed a restraining order against Timothy and his father, and Timothy later filed one against her.

According to Rebecca’s obituary, she was a devoted nurse, and after her work as a traveling nurse during the pandemic, she was nominated for the international Daisy Award, which honors “exceptional care given by extraordinary nurses”. More than anything, though, it states she was most devoted to her three boys who were “her world, her life’s greatest gifts”.

Rebecca’s sister started a GoFundMe page. She stated on the page, “Moving forward, our whole family will lovingly support and care for the boys for the rest of their lives in the ways we know Becky would want. To do this well, we have established this GoFundMe with the goal of establishing a scholarship fund in Becky’s name as well as to help with family expenses related to Becky’s death and the future care of her boys.”

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence or abuse from a romantic partner, you can visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website, call 1.800.799.SAFE, or text START to 88788 for help. Advocates are available 24/7 to help callers talk through their situation and connect them with local resources. There is no charge to reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

*This article was originally published on March 17, 2023 and updated on August 11, 2023.