Prosecutors in Chicago have presented their case against Adam Beckerink, a tax attorney accused of killing his estranged wife, Caitlin Tracey, by throwing her from a 24th-floor stairwell landing at his South Loop condominium building over a year ago.
Tracey, 36, was tragically discovered near the bottom of a stairwell with her severed foot on October 27, 2024, at 1201 South Prairie Avenue. Her remains were found nearby, with her body described as “pulverized” by a representative for Tracey’s family.
Beckerink was initially detained by Chicago police detectives following Tracey’s death but was released due to a lack of evidence. However, during a recent detention hearing, prosecutors revealed disturbing details of the abuse Tracey allegedly suffered at the hands of Beckerink in both Chicago and Michigan.
The prosecution pointed to a history of domestic violence incidents, including an assault at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago in September 2023, where Tracey reported that Beckerink entered her hotel room and attacked her while she slept. Another incident in July 2023 in Michigan involved Beckerink allegedly striking Tracey in the head with a pickle jar, pouring vodka on her wounds, and delaying her medical treatment for two days.
Furthermore, Beckerink’s DNA was reportedly found on a 24th-floor stairwell railing, where investigators believe Tracey was thrown from. Beckerink also provided conflicting accounts to police about Tracey’s disappearance.
Beckerink had previously served a 93-day jail sentence in Michigan for a separate attack. Following an arrest warrant issued in October 2025 for first-degree murder, Beckerink was brought back to Chicago from Berrien County Jail in Michigan by Chicago police detectives.
In a statement released by Tracey’s family, they expressed gratitude to law enforcement and prosecutors for their efforts in pursuing justice for Caitlin. They emphasized the importance of holding Beckerink accountable for his actions leading up to Tracey’s tragic death.
As the case unfolds, Tracey’s family seeks closure and justice for their daughter, while the prosecution continues to build a case against Beckerink for the alleged murder of Caitlin Tracey.
