A Chicago man has been formally charged with the murder of his estranged wife, a year following her discovery in the stairwell of his condominium. The charge comes shortly after he received a three-month jail sentence for unrelated domestic violence charges.
Adam Beckerink faced sentencing in Michigan last week, where he pleaded no contest to two separate domestic violence incidents at Caitlin Tracey’s residence, according to WMAQ. In addition to his jail time, he was placed on probation for two years.
Following this, Chicago authorities issued a murder warrant against Beckerink on Monday, accusing him of involvement in Tracey’s death on October 24, 2024.
Beckerink had initially reported Tracey missing on October 26, 2024, as noted by CrimeOnline. The following day, a fellow resident discovered Tracey’s severed foot in the stairwell, and her body was later found at the stairwell’s base. Beckerink was detained for questioning for two days, but no charges were immediately filed.
Records reveal that Tracey had sought an order of protection against Beckerink a year prior to her death, citing multiple abuse incidents. She ultimately withdrew her petition after Beckerink threatened legal action.
In 2024, Beckerink was apprehended twice in New Buffalo, Michigan, facing domestic violence accusations.
Beckerink and Tracey’s parents argued over her remains for two weeks after her death before a Michigan judge gave the parents custody for a funeral and burial.
Beckerink was arrested in March on domestic violence charges filed in Berien County, Michigan, where Tracey lived before and during her marriage.
According to WLS, Beckerink was sentenced to 93 days for domestic violence and contempt of court and probation for interfering with a 911 call made by Tracey.
Tracey’s mother, Monica Tracey, flanked by her husband Andrew, addressed the court, telling the judge she and her husband were “witnesses to the physical and psychological bruises and scars our daughter endured from this defendant.:
“But in the end, the coercive control he had over her was too great for her. She was lost. We feared for our safety, the safety of our other daughter, our son-in-law and our young grandson,” she said.
“Our daughter never stood a chance against this brute. She was beaten, bruised and battered by this brute. And then he is the ultimate controlling coward and took away her cell phone when she tried to summon help.”
The Chicago criminal complaint alleges that Beckerink threw Tracey over the railing of the 24th floor of the stairwell of his condo building, WMAQ said. She fell all the way to the ground floor, severing her foot as she fell. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Further information was not immediately available.
