Parents of Woman Found Dead in South Loop Ask Court to Block Husband from Claiming Remains
Lawsuit Cites Alleged Abuse and Husband’s Refusal to Release Remains
The husband of a woman found dead in a South Loop high-rise last month has been ordered not to access her remains in a lawsuit in which the woman’s parents cite the husband’s alleged abusive behavior.
Case Details
Caitlin Tracey, 36, of New Buffalo, Michigan, was found dead with a severed foot about 7:20 p.m. Oct. 27 in a stairwell outside her husband’s apartment in the 1200 block of South Prairie Avenue, according to court documents and Chicago police.
Allegations of Abuse
Her parents, Andrew and Monica Tracey, allege in court documents that her husband, Adam Beckerink, had patterns of being “verbally and physically abusive to Caitlin.” Caitlin Tracey had obtained an order of protection against Beckerink in Cook County last year after multiple domestic battery reports, and Beckerink faces domestic violence charges in Michigan.
Investigation Ongoing
An autopsy by the Cook County medical examiner’s office to determine Tracey’s cause and manner of death was still pending Saturday.
Detectives are continuing to conduct a death investigation. Beckerink, a tax attorney, had been detained and questioned by police but was later released, and he has not been criminally charged, according to court documents.
Dispute Over Remains
Tracey’s parents filed a petition in probate court in Berrien County, Michigan, where she lived, seeking possession of their daughter’s remains and the right to control her funeral.
They claim that Beckerink has refused to release her remains to the family, citing spousal rights, and that he plans to cremate her body and keep the ashes. Her parents, however, wish to arrange a Catholic funeral and burial in Michigan, according to court documents.
Court Rulings
An emergency hearing in the probate court case in Berrien County was set for Tuesday.
The temporary restraining order issued by a Cook County judge this week states that Tracey’s remains will stay at the medical examiner’s office at least until a ruling in the Berrien County case. The next court date in the Cook County case is scheduled for Friday.
Conclusion
The case highlights the complex issues that can arise in situations where a loved one dies under suspicious circumstances, particularly when there are allegations of abuse involved. The courts will need to carefully balance the rights of the surviving family members with the potential evidence that may be lost if the remains are released to the husband.
FAQs
* Q: What is the nature of the dispute between Caitlin Tracey’s parents and her husband, Adam Beckerink?
A: The dispute centers around control of Caitlin Tracey’s remains and the funeral arrangements.
* Q: What are the allegations of abuse against Adam Beckerink?
A: Caitlin Tracey’s parents have alleged that Beckerink has a history of being “verbally and physically abusive” to their daughter, and that she had obtained an order of protection against him in Cook County last year.
* Q: What is the current status of the investigation into Caitlin Tracey’s death?
A: The cause and manner of death are still pending autopsy results, and detectives are continuing to conduct a death investigation.
* Q: What are the next steps in the court case?
A: An emergency hearing is set for Tuesday in the probate court case in Berrien County, and the next court date in the Cook County case is scheduled for Friday.
