Chicago Man Charged with Murder of His Wife After She Fell 20 Stories from Their High-Rise Building
One year after the body of Caitlin Tracey was found at the foot of a South Loop high-rise building, where she had apparently fallen more than 20 stories, Adam Beckerink, her husband, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death. The Cook County court records confirm that Beckerink, 47, will face these charges after serving his existing sentence for domestic abuse, which was handed down by a Michigan court last week.
The details of the case paint a disturbing picture of domestic violence and deceit. When Caitlin's body was discovered on October 27, 2024, investigators found evidence that suggested she had been severely abused by her husband, including a severed foot that raised questions about how she came to meet her end. The apartment building's surveillance footage shows the couple together just days before her death, contradicting Beckerink's claim that he hadn't seen Caitlin in over a month.
Caitlin had previously obtained an order of protection against Beckerink after multiple domestic battery reports filed with Chicago police. However, she dropped this protection after he threatened to sue her for defamation. Her mother, Monica Tracey, testified in court that she saw a change in her daughter's behavior once Beckerink became involved, describing the "constant fear" in her voice.
The family of Caitlin Tracey welcomed the charges against Beckerink, stating that they represent an important step towards justice for their loved one. In a statement, her family expressed gratitude to the detectives and Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke for their efforts in bringing this case to fruition.
Beckerink is currently serving his domestic abuse sentence before he addresses the charges against him in Chicago court. His attorney has yet to comment on the matter. The upcoming trial will aim to uncover the truth about Caitlin's final months and the events leading up to her tragic death, a goal that Caitlin's family hopes will bring closure and allow them to lay their daughter to rest.
One year after the body of Caitlin Tracey was found at the foot of a South Loop high-rise building, where she had apparently fallen more than 20 stories, Adam Beckerink, her husband, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death. The Cook County court records confirm that Beckerink, 47, will face these charges after serving his existing sentence for domestic abuse, which was handed down by a Michigan court last week.
The details of the case paint a disturbing picture of domestic violence and deceit. When Caitlin's body was discovered on October 27, 2024, investigators found evidence that suggested she had been severely abused by her husband, including a severed foot that raised questions about how she came to meet her end. The apartment building's surveillance footage shows the couple together just days before her death, contradicting Beckerink's claim that he hadn't seen Caitlin in over a month.
Caitlin had previously obtained an order of protection against Beckerink after multiple domestic battery reports filed with Chicago police. However, she dropped this protection after he threatened to sue her for defamation. Her mother, Monica Tracey, testified in court that she saw a change in her daughter's behavior once Beckerink became involved, describing the "constant fear" in her voice.
The family of Caitlin Tracey welcomed the charges against Beckerink, stating that they represent an important step towards justice for their loved one. In a statement, her family expressed gratitude to the detectives and Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke for their efforts in bringing this case to fruition.
Beckerink is currently serving his domestic abuse sentence before he addresses the charges against him in Chicago court. His attorney has yet to comment on the matter. The upcoming trial will aim to uncover the truth about Caitlin's final months and the events leading up to her tragic death, a goal that Caitlin's family hopes will bring closure and allow them to lay their daughter to rest.