The case of a Chicago woman found dead at the bottom of a stairwell has taken a chilling turn, as her family are battling their son-in-law for their daughter's reamins.
Caitlin Walch Tracey's lifeless body was discovered with a missing foot in the South Loop apartment of her partner Adam Beckerink on October 27.
An obituary for Caitlin ahead of her funeral later this week reads: "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."
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Beckerink, 46, was arrested in connection to his 36-year-old wife's death, but was released by the Chicago Police Department 48 hours later with no charges.
Caitlin's grieving parents, Andrew Tracey, 69 and Dr Monica Tracey, 65, have been battling their son-in-law for the possession of their daughter's remains - something they have recently won after a court ruling.
The pair had been married for six months, with Caitlin's family not present at the wedding.
While Beckerink argued he had the right to his wife's remains as the surviving spouse, her family has accused him of wreaking a 'campaign of abuse and terror' against Caitlin in her final months.
Her family say their daughter and Beckerink had been together from October 2022 until September 2023, but never lived together.
The Traceys say that at some point after September last year, they got back together, before tying the knot in April this year.
And now, to support their claim that Beckering was abusive towards his wife, Caitlin's family have presented a petition she made to Cook County Court in October 2023.
"[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," Caitlin wrote, as per 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."
It got to the point where Caitlin went in search of a restraining order after Beckerink allegedly tried to contact her 'approximately 20 times a day' demanding to see her.
"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 said as she sought a restraining order.
Beckerink has not been charged in relation to Caitlin's death.
Topics: Chicago, Crime, Police, US News, Domestic Abuse
Callum Jones