Chicago, IL — Nearly a year after Caitlin Tracey was found dead in the stairwell of her South Loop high-rise, her husband, Adam Beckerink, has been sentenced in a Michigan domestic violence case linked to ongoing abuse she suffered before her death.
Beckerink, 38, pleaded no contest to domestic violence and interfering with a 911 call made by his wife. In exchange, prosecutors dropped earlier resisting arrest charges.
Plea and Sentencing
There was no trial in the Michigan case. On Monday, Beckerink was sentenced to 93 days in jail for the domestic violence and contempt of court charges, which he will serve concurrently.
With time served and credit for good behavior, Beckerink could be released in approximately 72 days. He was also sentenced to two years of probation for interfering with the 911 call made by his wife, Caitlin Tracey.
According to ABC7 Chicago, the sentencing drew an emotional response from Tracey’s family, who have long alleged Beckerink’s abuse played a direct role in her death.
Emotional Impact Statement in Court
In a powerful 15-minute statement, Dr. Monica Tracey, Caitlin’s mother, spoke directly to the judge — describing years of psychological and physical abuse her daughter endured.
“We are witnesses to the physical and psychological bruises and scars our daughter endured from this defendant,” Dr. Tracey said. “But in the end, the coercive control he had over her was too great. She was lost. We feared for our safety, the safety of our other daughter, our son-in-law, and our young grandson.”
Standing beside her husband, Andrew Tracey, she described Beckerink as manipulative and violent.
“Our daughter never stood a chance against this brute,” she told the court. “She was beaten, bruised, and battered. And then he is the ultimate controlling coward and took away her cell phone when she tried to summon help.”
Dr. Tracey recounted chilling details of the abuse her daughter described in her protective order application, which was read aloud as a Chicago police detective observed the proceedings.
“Strangling me, suffocating me, slamming my head against a cabinet, putting my head in a headlock, pulling me away from the door,” the statement read. “The defendant stalked her, brutalized her, terrorized her, and psychologically isolated her from family and friends.”
Ongoing Investigation Into Caitlin’s Death
Caitlin Tracey was found dead in the stairwell of Beckerink’s South Loop condo last fall. Her body showed multiple skull and rib fractures, and one of her feet was partially severed after a 24-story fall.
A Cook County assistant state’s attorney confirmed that Beckerink remains a suspect in her death, though no homicide charges have been filed to date.
Police reports show Beckerink reported his wife missing the day before her body was found, claiming he hadn’t seen her in weeks. However, investigators later took him into custody for what they described as “inconsistencies” in his missing persons report, according to ABC7 Chicago I-Team.
A family spokesperson called Beckerink’s sentencing “the first step toward justice” for Caitlin’s family. Next week will mark one year since her death.
Support for Domestic Violence Survivors
The courtroom was packed with family and friends showing solidarity with the Traceys, many wearing purple — the color for domestic violence awareness.
Officials and advocacy groups continue urging victims of abuse to seek help and break the cycle of silence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text START to 88788.
What are your thoughts on this case and the ongoing investigation into Caitlin Tracey’s death? Share your views in the comments below.
