A Cook County judge has lifted a temporary restraining order, allowing the parents of a Michigan woman who was found dead in Chicago, to bring her body home.
Caitlin Tracey’s body was found in the stairwell of her husband’s South Loop apartment building on Oct. 27, according to a release.
The New Buffalo woman’s body was allegedly found a day after her husband contacted Chicago police and reported her missing. A resident in the building had discovered a severed foot in the east stairwell of the building and reported it to the building manager, according to court documents.
Tracey had filed for an emergency protective order in October 2023 but later revoked it, which her parents allege she did because her husband was threatening to sue her for defamation and libel, according to court documents.
There were two domestic violence cases against Tracey’s husband. He was supposed to appear in court for a jury trial on felony charges two days after Tracey was found dead, according to court documents. The trial will now happen in January 2025.
A legal battle ensued after Tracey’s husband refused to release her remains to her parents, claiming spousal rights, saying he planned to have her body cremated and keep the ashes, according to court documents.
On Tuesday, a Michigan judge ruled in favor of her parents, and Cook County Judge Eve Reilly lifted the temporary restraining order, giving Tracey’s parents custody of her remains.
Tracey’s cause of death hasn’t been released as Chicago police continue to investigate the case.
