In Berrien County, Michigan, a significant development unfolded on Monday as Adam Beckerink was sentenced on charges related to domestic violence. This came after the tragic death of his wife, Caitlin Tracey, who was discovered at their South Loop high-rise.
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Beckerink avoided a trial by entering a no-contest plea to the charges of domestic violence and interfering with a 911 call that his wife had made. As part of the plea agreement, previous charges of resisting arrest were dismissed.
The case has drawn attention, particularly due to its connection with Caitlin Tracey’s untimely death, which remains under investigation. Beckerink is now considered a suspect in her death, adding a layer of complexity to the proceedings.
On the sentencing day, Beckerink received a 93-day concurrent sentence for the charges of domestic violence and contempt of court. However, due to time already served and contingent upon good behavior, he may be released in as few as 72 days.
On Monday, he was sentenced to serve a concurrent 93-day sentence for two charges: domestic violence and contempt of court.
He could get out as soon as 72 days from Monday because of time served, and if he presents good behavior.
Beckerink was sentenced to two years probation for interfering with a 911 call made by his wife.
Tracey’s mother, Monica, gave an emotional 15-minute impact statement in court. She was the only family member to speak in court.
“We are witnesses to the physical and psychological bruises and scarsour 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.
The courtroom was packed with Tracey’s family and friends.
“It isn’t just her death that haunts us; it is the slow-moving destruction of her life. This is now our family’s ongoing trauma, which we are trying to manage,” Tracey’s mother said in court.
Beckerink said he missed his wife, and he was unable to grieve because he had to “protect himself.”
A new charge was also revealed in court on Monday.
Beckerink was charged with contempt for allegedly violating his probation while going to get a court-ordered drug test.
On June 7, he allegedly arrived intoxicated to get a drug test at a clinic in Chicago’s Goose Island. He was accused of being aggressive toward staff and allegedly defecated on the floor.
Beckerink was taken in handcuffs out of the court to begin his 93-day sentence on Monday.
Police body camera video from August 2024 shows Beckerink struggling with police and Tracey crying nearby after she had called police for help.
The video was played during a hearing in June when a judge ruled it could be shown at trial.
Tracey was found dead in the stairwell of Beckerink’s condo building last fall. She had multiple skull and rib fractures. An assistant Cook County state’s attorney has said Beckerink is considered a suspect in her death.
If you need help or know someone in need of help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for confidential support 24/7/365. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text the word “START” to 88788.
