Parents of woman found dead in South Loop granted authority to bring her remains to Michigan
Parents of woman found dead in South Loop granted authority to bring her remains to Michigan
The parents of Caitlin Tracey, 36, who was found dead last month in a South Loop apartment stairwell, have been granted the right to retrieve her remains and bring them back to Michigan after a legal battle with her husband of six months.
CHICAGO - The parents of Caitlin Tracey, 36, who was found dead last month in a South Loop apartment stairwell, have been granted the right to retrieve her remains and bring them back to Michigan after a legal battle with her husband of six months.
A Cook County judge lifted a temporary restraining order Friday morning, allowing the release of Tracey’s remains to her parents, Andrew and Monica Tracey.
The ruling came days after a Michigan court granted the family authority over funeral arrangements.
Tracey was discovered last month at the Grant Luxury Condos after reportedly falling 24 floors. Her parents opposed the release of her remains to her husband, Adam Beckerink, citing a history of alleged domestic violence.
In an affidavit, Andrew Tracey accused Beckerink of physically abusing his daughter, including beating, choking, and striking her with blunt objects.
Beckerink has two pending domestic violence cases in Michigan, with Caitlin listed as the victim, according to court filings.
The legal dispute required action in both Illinois and Michigan courts.
Last week, a Cook County judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking Beckerink from taking possession of the remains while Michigan courts reviewed the case.
Police reports state Caitlin’s body was discovered after a building resident reported finding a severed foot near a stairwell railing. Officers later found her body at the bottom of the stairwell.
The cause and manner of Caitlin's death remain undetermined as the Chicago Police Department continues its investigation.