UPDATE: Beckerink sentenced for abusing late wife in New Buffalo, victim's family files petition over her estate

UPDATE: The family of Caitlin Tracey, the 36-year-old New Buffalo woman found dead in her husband's Chicago condo tower in October 2024, is petitioning Berrien County Probate Court to prevent Adam Beckerink from inheriting her estate. 

In the petition, Tracey's parents cite the Michigan "Slayer Statute" that prevents criminals from profiting from their crimes.  While Adam Beckerink has been named a suspect in his wife's death by authorities in Illinois, he has not been charged in her death. 

On Monday, Beckerink was sentenced to 93 days in the Berrien County Jail on domestic abuse charges stemming from a 2024 incident in New Buffalo.

Tracey's parents also laid out the history of domestic violence their daughter suffered at the hands of Adam Beckerink, along with an affidavit Caitlin Tracey herself wrote before her death.  They want the Probate Court to exclude Beckerink's claim on his late wife's estate.

The petition reads, in part, Beckerink "...is not just unfit to inherit by moral measure, he is unfit to inherit under the plain language of Michigan law, which mandates forfeiture where a person 'feloniously and intentionally' kills Decedent, or is convicted of committing abuse, neglect, or exploitation against the Decedent..."

You can read the entire Probate Court Petition below:

ORIGINAL STORY: BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. — A high-profile Chicago lawyer, considered a suspect in his wife’s death, is now heading to jail for separate charges of domestic abuse and contempt of court in Berrien County.

Adam Beckerink, was sentenced Monday for abusing his late wife, Caitlin Tracey, at her home in New Buffalo in the months leading up to Tracey being found dead in the stairwell of Beckerink’s Chicago high-rise apartment building.

Caitlyn Tracey, lovingly referred to as C.T, is being remembered as magnetic, loved, and successful in anything she took on by family and friends who filled the courtroom Monday afternoon.

In court, Caitlin Tracey’s mother delivered an emotional victim impact statement, calling Beckerink a "monster."

“Caitlin was filled with empathy and the belief that people are basically good and can change,” said Monica Tracey, alongside her husband Andrew.

“And when she met the defendant, she lived that belief even though he hurt, humiliated, exploited, isolated, and dominated her. She kept trying,” she added.

Beckerink was seen fidgeting with a silver band on his ring finger as her statement was read. He denied the claims and said he loves his wife very much and has been unable to grieve.

He was sentenced to serve a concurrent 93-day sentence in jail for domestic violence and contempt of court.

He could get out early for good behavior, and for days already served.

He was also placed on a two-year probation for interfering with his wife’s ability to call 911 for help.

Beckerink pleaded no contest to the charges, which stemmed from incidents at Tracey’s New Buffalo home.

Months later, she was found dead at the bottom of a stairwell at his Chicago condo.

The Cook County Medical Examiner determined Tracey died from multiple injuries due to the fall. However, the manner of her death has not been determined.

Beckerink has not been charged in her death.

He was taken away in handcuffs and remains in the custody of the Berrien County Sheriff.

Gail Pamukov, a spokesperson for the Tracey family, said they hope Caitlin’s story inspires others facing domestic abuse to seek help.

“Unfortunately, it becomes harder and harder for the victim to leave. Like many, Caitlyn could not, The Tracey family hopes that others will hear her story and reach out, Pamukov said.

The investigation into Caitlin Tracey’s death remains ongoing in Chicago.