• Adam Beckerink charged with first-degree murder year after wife’s fatal fall
• Caitlin Tracey found dead at bottom of stairwell in Chicago high-rise
• Authorities allege Beckerink threw victim over 24th floor railing in 2024

CHICAGO, Ill. (TDR) — A man has been charged with first-degree murder a year after his estranged wife plummeted 24 stories to her death in his high-rise apartment building’s stairwell, authorities said.

Police were called to the Chicago condominium of Adam Beckerink, 47, on Oct. 27, 2024, after a resident discovered a severed foot near a stairway railing. Officers then found the body of Caitlin Tracey, 36, at the bottom of the stairwell.

Autopsy confirms fall from height

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An autopsy confirmed Tracey’s injuries were consistent with a fall from that height, according to medical examiner findings. The gruesome discovery of the severed foot led investigators to the victim’s body and launched what would become a year-long homicide investigation.

Authorities allege that Beckerink killed Tracey on Oct. 25, 2024, by “throwing her over the railing of the 24th floor” of the building. The charges indicate prosecutors believe the death was not accidental but rather an intentional act of violence.

The couple was estranged at the time of Tracey’s death, though details about the nature of their separation and whether divorce proceedings were underway have not been publicly disclosed.

Former attorney fired after death

Beckerink, a former tax attorney and partner at Duane Morris LLP, was fired following Tracey’s death. The prominent law firm has not commented publicly on the circumstances surrounding his termination or whether it was directly related to the investigation.

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According to the Daily Mail’s reporting, he might have struggled with substance abuse during the couple’s relationship. However, it remains unclear whether substance abuse played any role in the alleged crime or the investigation.

Investigation spanned full year

The delay between Tracey’s death in October 2024 and Beckerink’s arrest highlights the complex nature of the investigation. Homicide detectives spent months gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and building a case before presenting charges to prosecutors.

First-degree murder charges in Illinois require proof that the defendant intended to kill the victim or knew their actions would cause death. The charge carries a potential sentence of 20 years to life in prison upon conviction.

Beckerink is presumed innocent until proven guilty. His defense attorneys have not yet issued public statements about the charges or their client’s planned defense strategy.

Building residents shocked by incident

The luxury high-rise where the incident occurred has increased security measures following Tracey’s death, according to residents. The building’s stairwells are typically used only for emergencies, with most residents relying on elevators for daily access.

Questions remain about how the victim came to be in the stairwell and what events led to the alleged confrontation on the 24th floor. Prosecutors will need to present evidence explaining the circumstances that preceded the fatal fall.

Legal proceedings ahead

Beckerink faces arraignment in coming weeks, where he will enter a formal plea to the murder charge. A trial date has not yet been set as both prosecution and defense prepare their cases.

The victim’s family has not issued public statements but is reportedly cooperating with investigators as the case moves forward through the criminal justice system.

Should high-rise buildings be required to install additional security cameras in stairwells to aid investigations when suspicious deaths occur in these areas?

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