In a recent development, 46-year-old Adam Beckerink, a former tax attorney, has been arrested on an outstanding Michigan warrant for aggravated assault related to domestic violence charges involving his late wife, 36-year-old Caitlin Tracey. This arrest follows the unresolved circumstances surrounding Tracey’s death in October 2024.
On October 27, 2024, Tracey was discovered deceased at the base of a stairwell in Beckerink’s South Loop condominium building. Her body exhibited severe trauma, including a partial severing of her foot, consistent with a fall from a significant height. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to determine an official cause of death. Prior to the discovery, Beckerink had reported Tracey missing, stating she was last seen two days earlier. During initial questioning by Chicago police, Beckerink was detained due to inconsistencies in his account but was subsequently released without charges.
The recent arrest stems from incidents in early 2024 at Tracey’s residence in New Buffalo, Michigan. In January 2024, police responded to a call and observed Tracey with visible injuries. She alleged that Beckerink had assaulted her and taken some of her belongings. A subsequent incident in August 2024 led to further charges, including assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, obstruction, larceny, and interfering with electronic communication. Beckerink failed to appear at pre-trial hearings in October 2024, leading to the issuance of a fugitive warrant.
Following his recent arrest in Chicago, Beckerink appeared in Cook County court and waived his right to an extradition hearing. He is currently awaiting transfer to Berrien County, Michigan, where his trial is scheduled to begin on April 15, 2025. Despite the domestic violence charges, Beckerink has not been formally charged in connection with Tracey’s death. However, an assistant state’s attorney has referred to him as a suspect in the ongoing investigation.
Tracey’s parents have obtained custody of her remains following a legal dispute with Beckerink and have since laid her to rest in Michigan. They have expressed concerns about Beckerink’s history of alleged abuse and are closely monitoring the legal proceedings.
As the investigation into Tracey’s death continues, authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Beckerink remains in custody, awaiting extradition to Michigan to face the pending charges.
Sources:
- Suspect in estranged wife’s South Loop death released from jail
- Husband of woman found dead and missing a foot arrested
- Husband of woman found dead in South Loop stairwell due in court
