Bernie Tiede

Convicted murderer, subject of movie Bernie

What is Bernie Tiede known for?

Bernie Tiede, who was born Bernhardt Tiede II, on August 2, 1958, in Tyler, Texas, is noted as a notable alumnus of Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas. Tiede went on to become an assistant funeral director, gaining popularity within his community. However, Tiede's life took a notorious turn, and he became infamous for his criminal pursuits.

Tiede is notably known for his association with affluent senior widow, Marjorie Nugent, whom he met in 1990 while working as an assistant director at Hawthorn Funeral Home. They started as casual friends and later became inseparable companions. Despite the age gap of more than 40 years, in 1991, Nugent revised her will, disowning her only child and leaving her entire $10 million estate to Tiede. Subsequently, in 1993, Tiede quit his job and started managing Nugent's business full time and also accompanied her in travel.

The turning point in his life came on November 19, 1996, when he shot Nugent four times from behind with a .22 caliber rifle, leading to her death. Post-murder, Tiede placed Nugent's body in a freezer. This shocking event attracted national attention, leading to his first-degree murder conviction and sentencing to 99 years to life.

His life situation and murder trial served as the basis for the critically acclaimed film Bernie (2011), a dark comedy directed by Richard Linklater and starring Jack Black as Tiede. His case was also featured in Season 3, Episode 7, "Millionairess Mortician", of the TV show Deadly Sins.

Despite the new evidence that emerged, which led to his temporary release on bail in 2014, Tiede was sentenced again to 99 years to life imprisonment.

On a personal note, Bernie Tiede was born to Bernhardt Tiede and Lela Mae Jester. His father was an immigrant from Ukraine, a professor of music, choral director at several colleges, and a church music director. Unfortunately, Tiede's mother was killed in a car accident when he was just two years old, which had a significant impact on his father and instigated his excessive drinking. Tiede's father remarried in 1963, but passed away when Tiede was just fifteen.