The tragic case involving a Chicago woman found dead at the base of a stairwell has taken a troubling twist, as her family is now in a legal battle with her son-in-law over her remains.
Caitlin Walch Tracey was discovered deceased, with one foot missing, at her partner Adam Beckerink’s South Loop apartment on October 27.
Her obituary, written in anticipation of her funeral later this week, states: “Taken from us far too soon, she was a force of nature – vibrant, bold, and always ready to make you laugh until your sides hurt. Her sassy attitude, infectious energy, and unapologetic joy for life touched everyone she met.
“Caitlin, or CT, as some may know her, had a way of lighting up a room, whether with her quick wit, her unmistakable laugh, or her unfiltered honesty.”
Beckerink, aged 46, was taken into custody in connection with the death of his 36-year-old wife. However, he was released by the Chicago Police Department after 48 hours, without any charges being filed.
Caitlin’s parents, Andrew Tracey, 69, and Dr. Monica Tracey, 65, have been engaged in a legal struggle with Beckerink over the custody of their daughter’s remains. They recently secured a victory in court.
The couple had been married for just six months, and Caitlin’s family was not present at the wedding.
Although Beckerink maintained his right as the surviving spouse to his wife’s remains, her family accused him of a “campaign of abuse and terror” against Caitlin in her last months.
According to her family, Caitlin and Beckerink were in a relationship from October 2022 to September 2023 but never cohabited.
The Traceys claim that they reconciled at some point after September and were married in April of the current year.
To substantiate their allegations of abuse, Caitlin’s family has presented a petition she filed in Cook County Court in October 2023.
In the petition, Caitlin described the abuse: “[Beckerink] physically abused me by throwing a pickle jar, which struck me on my head, punching me, pushing me, pulling my hair, dragging me by my clothes, and stripping me out of my clothes,” as reported by the Daily Mail.
“[He] also poured vodka on my body, which burned my wounds, and would motion as if he was going to hit me with the alcohol bottle,” she continued.
The situation escalated to the point where Caitlin sought a restraining order, alleging that Beckerink tried to contact her “approximately 20 times a day” to demand a meeting.
“I believe if Beckerink knew I was here trying to get an Emergency Order of Protection, he would try and stop me, or I would be at risk of further abuse,” Caitlin stated when seeking the restraining order.
To date, Beckerink has not been charged in connection with Caitlin’s death.