(WWJ) The family of a Farmington Hills-native found dead in downtown Chicago has won a legal battle to get her body back.
Caitlan Tracey, of New Buffalo, Michigan, was found dead last month in the stairwell of her husband's apartment building — one day after he reported her missing.
According to court documents, Tracey fell 24 flights of stairs in the high rise on the 1200 block of Prairie Street, on Oct. 27. A resident of the building found a severed foot near a railing in the east stairwell and reported it to a building manager, attorneys said. While Chicago police officers searched the area, the building manager discovered Tracey’s body.
Tracey’s parents filed a petition in probate court in Berrien County, Michigan, where she lived, seeking possession of their daughter’s remains and the right to control her funeral.
The husband, who's been charged for allegedly assaulting Tracey, had legal custody over the remains, but her parents have now been awarded custody after two court rulings, in both Michigan and Illinois.
The family's attorney, Andrew Cunniff released a statement to WWJ Newsradio 950 following the latest ruling, which came down Friday in Cook County Court:
“Today’s hearing marked a significant step for Caitlin’s family, and we are grateful to the courts for their sound and swift rulings, both in Michigan and Chicago. We are also grateful to the family’s Michigan attorney, Mitt Drew, for his hard work and dedication. Finally, the Tracey family can close this chapter and focus on mourning Caitlin’s loss and celebrating her remarkable life.
"Caitlin was an incredible young woman who was taken far too soon. We hope that her story may shine a light on the often-hidden tragedy of domestic abuse.
"The Tracey family would like to thank the public for the outpouring of support and assistance during this extremely difficult time. Now, we ask that their request for privacy be honored as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
Tracey had a restraining order against her husband, who is accused of assaulting her in two cases.
WWJ's Luke Sloan reports investigators are still working to determine if foul play was involved in Tracey's death.
The family is planning to arrange a private Catholic funeral and burial for Tracey once her remains are returned home to Michigan.