A Michigan judge has set a $2,000,000 bail for Adam Beckerink, the man accused of throwing his estranged wife, Caitlin Tracey, from a 24th-floor stairwell at his South Loop condominium last year. Beckerink is currently serving a 93-day sentence for a domestic battery case involving Tracey in Berrien County, Michigan.
The Cook County warrant was issued after Chicago police filed a complaint accusing Beckerink of killing Tracey by throwing her over the east stairwell railing near his 24th-floor unit at 1201 South Prairie Avenue on October 25, 2024. Tracey’s body was discovered two days later after a resident found a severed foot on a lower floor of the stairwell. Police later found the rest of her remains nearby, describing her body as “pulverized.”
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Tracey died from injuries consistent with a fall from height but ruled the manner of death as “undetermined,” leaving open the possibility of accident, suicide, or homicide. Chicago police detectives spent a year gathering evidence they believe points to Beckerink’s responsibility.
Tracey’s family commended the Chicago police department and Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke for their dedication to seeking justice for Caitlin. At the time of her death, Tracey was staying with Beckerink in Chicago, although she resided in New Buffalo, Michigan. Beckerink reported her missing a day before her remains were found, but surveillance footage showed the couple together just days before the discovery.
Leading up to her death, Tracey had sought protective orders and filed police reports detailing abuse and harassment by Beckerink. Court records revealed a history of violence, including multiple assaults and incidents of interference with emergency calls. Tracey’s family ultimately gained control of her remains for burial after a legal battle with Beckerink.
This tragic case highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, seek help from local resources and support services. Violence is never acceptable, and everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their relationships.
