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In a gripping development from Chicago, a local attorney has found himself at the center of a chilling legal drama. Adam Beckerink, accused of the murder of his wife, will remain in custody as he awaits trial, following a judge’s decision on Friday. The court concluded that the prosecution had demonstrated Beckerink posed a significant risk to the community, justifying his continued detention.
The allegations against Beckerink are harrowing. Prosecutors assert that, in a tragic turn of events in October 2024, he violently thrust his 36-year-old wife, Caitlin Tracey, down a 29-story stairwell within their South Loop condominium. This act reportedly led to her untimely and brutal death, with injuries described as her body being “pulverized” and her foot severed.
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Prior to these charges, Beckerink was already serving a sentence in Michigan for domestic violence, underscoring a troubling history of violence. His transfer back to Chicago earlier this week signals the gravity of the charges he currently faces.
The case continues to unfold, drawing significant attention and stirring distress within the community as the legal proceedings advance. The tragic loss of Caitlin Tracey has left an indelible mark on those who knew her, and the upcoming trial promises to be closely watched by many.
Tracey’s foot was severed and her body pulverized.
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Beckerink is facing two charges: first-degree murder and a second-murder charge of strong probability of death.
New evidence presented by the state Friday includes DNA evidence that points to Beckerink alone touching the stairwell door from the outside. Tracey’s DNA was not found on that stairwell door.
Prosecutors laid out several instances of Beckerink providing inconsistent statements to detectives before and after Tracey’s body was discovered.
Prosecutors also said that a victim advocate out of Michigan testified before a grand jury that prior to Tracey’s death, Tracey had told the advocate that she was trying to get out of her marriage to Beckerink and that Beckerink had threatened to throw her over the stairs.
The state also says that neighbors could often hear the couple screaming in their condo unit.
The defense made many arguments that Tracey was a habitual drug abuser, and that the state has a lack of evidence that this was even a murder. The defense argued Tracey’s death was either an unfortunate accident or intentional suicide.
In a hand-written court note filed in the case, Beckerink asked for protective custody while he is in the Cook County Jail.
However, that will be determined by the sheriff’s office.
He is next due in court Feb. 3.
You can contact the Illinois domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 click here for more information.
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