Caitlin Tracey, 36, of New Buffalo, Michigan, was found dead in the staircase of a South Loop luxury high rise last month. According to the office, the reason and manner of her death are yet unknown, as the Chicago Police Department conducts an investigation.
Tracey was located dead at the foot of the building’s stairway at 7:20 p.m. on October 27, according to a police report. A resident of the building discovered a severed foot near a railing in the east stairwell and reported it to the building manager, according to the report. While responding cops were searching the premises, the manager discovered Tracey’s body at the bottom of the stairwell.
Tracey’s parents have been given a temporary restraining order prohibiting her husband from obtaining her remains, citing a pattern of aggressive behaviour.
Tracey’s parents allege in court records that her husband, Adam Beckerink, a tax attorney, physically and emotionally mistreated her throughout their relationship. In a petition filed in probate court in Berrien County, Michigan, where Tracey lived, her parents argued that “based on the circumstances surrounding the death along with the abusive history,” their family would “not be psychologically or emotionally capable of participating in any services that are handled and arranged by” Beckerink.
In addition to felony accusations such as refusing and hindering arrest, Beckerink is presently facing two domestic violence charges in Berrien County for allegedly attacking Tracey physically.
Todd Pugh, Beckerink’s Chicago criminal defence lawyer, stated on Friday that there was “no link” between his client and Tracey’s passing. Chicago-based Tracey’s parents’ lawyers choose not to comment at this time.
According to Thursday’s Cook County complaint, Beckerink is assumed to have the legal right to govern Tracey’s remains as her surviving spouse. However, if the surviving spouse is proven to be “incompetent or unsuitable,” that privilege may be terminated in accordance with Michigan law.
“In the event that Beckerink is criminally charged with Caitlin’s death, he will be automatically disqualified” from overseeing her remains and funeral, according to the Cook County lawsuit.
