CHICAGO — A well-known Chicago tax attorney, Adam Beckerink, appeared in a Michigan court Tuesday morning to face domestic violence charges connected to two prior incidents involving his late wife, Caitlin Tracey, whose death in 2024 remains under public and legal scrutiny.
The hearing was held at the Berrien County Courthouse at 9 a.m. ET and marked the latest development in a complex case that has blurred the line between domestic violence charges and an ongoing death investigation that has yet to result in homicide charges.
Prosecutors Rely on Bodycam Video After Tracey’s Death
Because Caitlin Tracey died in October 2024 before the original trial date, prosecutors are presenting police body camera footage in which she describes physical abuse by Beckerink — video now critical to the state’s domestic battery case.
The footage, recorded during investigations at Tracey’s New Buffalo, Michigan home, substitutes for her in-person testimony and pertains to two separate incidents Beckerink is accused of.
Tracey’s Death: Still Officially Ruled Accidental
Tracey’s death occurred in the South Loop condo building where the couple shared a residence. Her body was found at the bottom of a stairwell, more than 20 floors down, after a resident discovered part of her severed foot, triggering a full-scale search.
The Cook County Medical Examiner ruled the death as caused by multiple injuries from a fall from height, and Beckerink was not named a suspect at the time.
Still, the coinciding timeline between the pending domestic violence trial and Tracey’s sudden death led to widespread public speculation, though no criminal charges related to her death have ever been filed.
Custody Battle Over Tracey’s Remains
After Tracey’s death, a heated legal dispute unfolded between Beckerink and her parents over control of her remains. A Michigan judge ultimately sided with her family, granting them the right to take her body home for funeral and burial services.
Domestic Violence Resources and Awareness
As Beckerink’s case draws headlines, advocacy groups and officials continue urging the public to seek help in unsafe relationships. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 assistance at 1-800-799-7233. The City of Chicago also maintains domestic violence support resources on its official site.
How Should High-Profile Domestic Cases Be Handled?
Do you believe high-profile domestic violence cases get enough scrutiny? Should prior accusations be weighed more heavily in court? Share your views at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice matters in shaping justice and awareness.
