A man is facing a first-degree murder charge after his estranged wife, a Michigan woman, was found dead in a stairwell of his Chicago condo building one year ago.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Adam Beckerink, who is accused of killing Caitlin Tracey by throwing her over the railing of the 24th floor of the east stairwell of his South Loop condo building.
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Tracey was found dead at the bottom of the stairwell on Oct. 27, 2024, after a resident had discovered a severed foot in the stairwell and reported it to the building manager, according to court documents.
Her body was allegedly found one day after her husband called Chicago police to report Tracey missing.
Previous coverage: Michigan parents get custody of daughter’s remains after legal dispute with her husband
According to NBC 5, on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, Beckerink was sentenced to three months in jail in Michigan after he pleaded no contest to domestic violence charges.
These charges are linked to domestic abuse against Tracey that happened at her home in New Buffalo.
Family Statement
Tracey’s parents, Andrew and Dr. Monica Tracey, issued the following statement after the arrest warrant was issued:
“One year ago today, we learned that Caitlin Tracey, our beloved daughter and sister was found deceased at the bottom of a stairwell in Adam Beckerink’s Chicago, South Loop condominium building, having plummeted 24 stories. He will now be charged with her first-degree murder.
Only a week ago, Adam Beckerink, a convicted felon, was sentenced in Michigan for interfering with Caitlin’s cell phone and a domestic violence committed against her. Today he sits in a Michigan jail for his actions.
Today’s charges of first-degree murder against Adam Beckerink is another big step in the path to obtain justice for Caitlin. We are very grateful for the dedicated work of the Chicago Police Department. Our family especially thanks Detective Michael Carroll, the lead detective and his team for their unceasing efforts on behalf of Caitlin. Our family is also deeply thankful to Cook County States Attorney, Eileen O’Neill Burke who has made cases involving domestic violence, such as Caitlin’s, a law enforcement priority. Both the Chicago police department and Ms. O’Neill Burke’s office have been tireless in their efforts to obtain justice on behalf of 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."
Statement from Andrew and Dr. Monica Tracey
A legal battle ensued after Tracey’s death when Beckerink refused to release her remains to her parents, claiming spousal rights.
The estranged husband had said that he planned to have her body cremated.
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.