Man Charged With Murder After MI Wife Found Dead In Chicago Stairwell

A Chicago man has been charged with murder after his wife, a Michigan woman, was found dead in an apartment stairwell a year ago, according to court documents obtained by Patch.

Caitlin Tracey, 36, of New Buffalo, was found dead in an apartment stairwell in downtown Chicago on Oct. 27, 2024, according to police.

Tracey's husband, Adam Beckerink, was charged with first-degree murder. Police accuse Beckerink of throwing Tracey over the railing of the 24th floor of the east stairwell of his South Loop condo building. She suffered multiple skull and rib factures, and her foot was severed.

Last Friday, Beckerink, who was the only suspect in the case, was sentenced to three months in jail in Michigan after he pleaded no contest to domestic violence charges. He was placed in the Berrien County jail.

Those charges are linked to domestic abuse against Tracey that happened at her home in New Buffalo.

Tracey's family sued when Beckerink refused to release her remains to her parents, claiming spousal rights. In November 2024, a Michigan judge ruled in favor of Tracey’s parents, and an Illinois judge lifted the temporary restraining order, giving Tracey’s parents custody of her remains.

Tracey's family has also filed a petition in a Michigan probate court to block Beckerink from any inheritance. They also want to protect the location of her burial site from being disclosed to him, citing a pattern of documented abuse.

"This petition is not only about the legal protections the law affords—it’s about ensuring that Caitlin is finally afforded peace and dignity, free from the shadow of the man who terrorized her," read a statement from the family's attorney said. "The family’s only goal is to protect their daughter’s legacy and prevent further harm."

Tracey's parents released a statement Monday evening thanking police, calling the charge "another big step in the path to obtain justice for Caitlin."

"We dearly miss Caitlin as do her friends. Our family hopes that during the murder case against Adam Beckerink, that the truth about the last months of Caitlin's life and the events leading to her tragic death are revealed, so our wonderful daughter can finally be laid to rest," the statement said.