Cook County Judge Gives Parents, Not Husband, Custody of Remains of Woman Who Died at South Loop High-Rise
Custody Fight Over Caitlin Tracey’s Body Settled
A Cook County judge has given custody of Caitlin Tracey’s body to her parents, Andrew and Monica Tracey, rather than her husband, Adam Beckerink, who has a history of alleged domestic abuse. The decision comes after a custody battle that has garnered significant attention due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding Caitlin’s death.
Caitlin’s Body Found in Stairwell
Caitlin’s body was discovered on October 27 in a stairwell outside her husband’s high-rise apartment in the South Loop. She had fallen 20 stories, and police found a severed foot at the bottom of the stairwell. An autopsy was pending at the time of the hearing, but no cause of death had been determined.
Beckerink’s History of Domestic Abuse
Caitlin had accused Beckerink of domestic abuse multiple times, according to her parents’ petition to gain custody of her body. She had requested an order of protection against him in October 2023, but dropped the request a month later after he threatened to sue her for defamation. Beckerink has two active felony cases pending in Michigan, both related to domestic violence charges involving Caitlin.
Custody Battle
The custody battle over Caitlin’s body began when Beckerink filed a missing person report for his wife. However, police discovered surveillance footage showing the couple together on October 24, contradicting Beckerink’s claims. A Cook County judge initially issued a restraining order to keep Caitlin’s body at the medical examiner’s office, pending a custody judgment in a separate case in Michigan. However, on Friday, the judge lifted the restraining order and granted custody of Caitlin’s body to her parents.
Conclusion
The decision to grant custody of Caitlin’s body to her parents marks a significant victory for the Tracey family. It is a step towards closure and allows them to begin the process of mourning their daughter’s loss. The case highlights the importance of protecting victims of domestic abuse and ensuring that they have access to justice and support.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of Caitlin’s death?
A: The cause of Caitlin’s death has not been determined pending the results of an autopsy.
Q: Did Beckerink face any charges in connection to Caitlin’s death?
A: No, Beckerink has not been charged with a crime in connection to Caitlin’s death.
Q: What is the status of the custody battle?
A: The custody battle has been settled in favor of Caitlin’s parents, Andrew and Monica Tracey.
Q: What is the significance of this case?
A: This case highlights the importance of protecting victims of domestic abuse and ensuring that they have access to justice and support. It also underscores the need for law enforcement and the legal system to take allegations of domestic abuse seriously and to take appropriate action to protect victims.
