Judge Denies Husband’s Attempt to Halt Funeral of Woman Found Dead in South Loop Building

Family Can Now Move Forward with Funeral Plans

The parents of a woman found dead in a South Loop apartment building can bury their daughter after a judge denied her husband’s latest efforts to delay a funeral and reclaim custody of her remains.

Caitlin Tracey’s Death Under Investigation

Caitlin Tracey, 37, was found dead with a severed foot Oct. 27 at the bottom of a stairwell in her husband’s apartment building. Police said she had fallen 20 stories.

Family Believed Fight Had Come to an End

Her parents, Andrew and Monica Tracey, have since been involved in a weekslong custody battle seeking to block her husband, Adam Beckerink, from retrieving her remains — citing his alleged history of abuse against her and the suspicious circumstances of her death.

Judge Denies Beckerink’s Motion

In court Wednesday, Cook County Judge Eve Reilly questioned Beckerink’s intentions for filing the motion, as Tracey’s body had already been released to her parents and could not be returned to the medical examiner’s office.

In a written ruling, Reilly denied Beckerink’s motion, stating that his attorney had not addressed whether it was even possible that Tracey’s body could be stored for the duration of an appeal, adding, “Certainly, it does not feel just or equitable to do so.”

Funeral Plans Can Proceed

The Tracey family can now move forward with the “dignified memorial” they have planned for their daughter, according to their attorney.

“No one should have to bury their child, much less fight a legal battle to do it,” the Tracey’s attorney, Andrew Cunniff, said in a statement Wednesday. “Thankfully, the right side prevailed, and Caitlin will remain with her family where she belongs.”

Background of the Case

Beckerink, a Chicago-based tax attorney who was fired as partner of Duane Morris LLP after the case became public, has not been charged with a crime in connection with her death.

He was temporarily detained for including false information on a missing persons report he had filed about Tracey, hours before her death. He was later released.

In 2023, Tracey reported at least two incidents of alleged domestic violence to Chicago police.

She was granted an order of protection against Beckerink in November of 2023, but later dropped the order after he threatened to sue her for defamation, according to her parents’ petition to gain custody of her body.

Beckerink has two active felony cases pending in Michigan, both domestic violence charges involving his wife, according to the petition.

Conclusion

The family of Caitlin Tracey can finally lay their daughter to rest, bringing an end to a difficult and emotional custody battle. The investigation into her death is ongoing, and it is unclear if Beckerink will face any charges in connection with her death.

FAQs

Q: What happened to Caitlin Tracey?

A: Caitlin Tracey was found dead with a severed foot at the bottom of a stairwell in her husband’s apartment building on October 27.

Q: Who is Adam Beckerink?

A: Adam Beckerink is the husband of Caitlin Tracey and is a Chicago-based tax attorney.

Q: Has Beckerink been charged with a crime?

A: No, Beckerink has not been charged with a crime in connection with her death.

Q: What is the status of the investigation?

A: The investigation into Caitlin Tracey’s death is ongoing.

Q: Can Beckerink still appeal the ruling?

A: It is unclear if Beckerink will appeal the ruling, but his attorney has not indicated any plans to do so at this time.