Court documents show murder complaint filed against man whose wife died at his South Loop condo

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Caitlin Tracey was found dead at the bottom of a Chicago high-rise stairwell one year ago.

The ABC7 Chicago I-Team learned Tracey's husband, Adam Beckerink, the only known suspect in her the death, will be charged with her murder, according to court documents that show a complaint has been filed and a warrant for his arrest has been signed by a Cook County judge.

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Just one week ago, he was sentenced for domestic violence charges against Tracey in Michigan. He's currently serving his sentence in Berrien County jail.

Tracey was found dead after falling 24 stories in a South Loop high-rise, where Beckerink lived. Her foot was found severed nearby. Her body was pulverized.

"No matter how much we tried to save her, she was caught in a cycle of control. He is a monster," said Caitlin's mother, Dr. Monica Tracey, during a statement directly to a judge in Michigan. "It isn't just her death that haunts us. It's the slow-moving destruction of her life."

Now, one year after Caitlin Tracey was found dead, Chicago police say Beckerink caused her death by throwing her over the railing of the 24th floor of the east stairwell, according to a felony complaint filed in Cook County court and reviewed by the I-Team.

At his sentencing in Michigan, Beckerink, who was still wearing his wedding ring, told the court he missed and loved his wife.

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"I did lose my wife, and I've been unable to grieve for her. I miss my wife every day. I love her more than anything," Beckerink said.

Grieving their daughter for a year, Monica Tracey and her husband, Andrew, described in detail the abuse and manipulation their daughter, Caitlin, said she faced when she applied for an order of protection against Beckerink.

"Strangling me, suffocating me, slamming my head against a cabinet, putting my head in a headlock, pulling me away from the door," Dr. Tracey said. "We continue to be victimized as we learn more about the inconceivable Hell she was living in with this monster."

She said, instead of visiting their daughter for dinner, she and her husband visit Caitlin's grave.

SEE ALSO | Funeral held for woman who died at husband's South Loop condo after legal battle over remains

Beckerink was led from the court in handcuffs last Monday. The judge ordered psychological, substance abuse and threat evaluations.

The estate of Caitlin Tracey filed a petition in Michigan probate court to exclude Beckerink from any inheritance and to protect the location of her burial site from being disclosed to him, citing a pattern of documented abuse.

The I-Team reached out to Beckerink's Chicago-based attorney, but has not yet heard back.

Tracey's family said in a statement:

"One year ago today, we learned that Caitlin Tracey, our beloved daughter and sister was found deceased at the bottom of a stairwell in Adam Beckerink's Chicago, South Loop condominium building, having plummeted 24 stories. He will now be charged with her first-degree murder.

"Only a week ago, the Adam Beckerink, a convicted felon, was sentenced in Michigan for interfering with Caitlin's cell phone and a domestic violence committed against her. Today he sits in a Michigan jail for his actions.

"Today's charges of first-degree murder against Adam Beckerink is another big step in the path to obtain justice for Caitlin. We are very grateful for the dedicated work of the Chicago Police Department. Our family especially thanks Detective Michael Carroll, the lead detective and his team for their unceasing efforts on behalf of Caitlin. Our family is also deeply thankful to Cook County States Attorney, Eileen O'Neill Burke who has made cases involving domestic violence, such as Caitlin's, a law enforcement priority. Both the Chicago police department and Ms. O'Neil Burke's office have been tireless in their efforts to obtain justice on behalf of Caitlin.

"We dearly miss Caitlin as do her friends. Our family hopes that during the murder case against Adam Beckerink, that the truth about the last months of Caitlin's life and the events leading to her tragic death are revealed, so our wonderful daughter can finally be laid to rest."

If you need help or know someone in need of help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for confidential support 24/7/365. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text the word "START" to 88788.