A suspect has been charged in connection with the tragic death of a prominent Chicago-area boater, whose body was discovered in DuSable Harbor last year, according to Chicago police.
Authorities announced that 34-year-old Alexis Trader was taken into custody on Wednesday and faces a murder charge.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Investigators allege that Trader assaulted 63-year-old Nabil Abzal on August 30, 2025. The incident reportedly caused Abzal to tumble into Lake Michigan, resulting in his drowning over the Labor Day weekend.
Known fondly as “Captain Bill,” Abzal was a resident of Plainfield and well-regarded within the boating community.
During a court appearance on Thursday, it was revealed that Trader has an extensive criminal record.
At the time of the murder charge, Trader was already detained in Cook County Jail for a separate offense.
A judge Thursday ordered Trader to remain behind bars, pending trial.
Prosecutors say Trader was with another man and two women in the early morning hours of Aug. 30 at DuSable Harbor, when they decided to sneak onto the dock so the women could take pictures on one of the yachts for social media.
Investigators say the women boarded a yacht there, not knowing Abzal was sleeping onboard.
Abzal woke up, and he allegedly asked them to leave.
As Abzal escorted the women off the dock, prosecutors say Trader punched him in the face, causing him to hit his head on the dock and fall in the water.
Authorities say video and audio of the attack were captured by a security camera at a nearby restaurant.
They said Trader called 911 but gave police a false name.
Several witnesses later identified him, and police located him through phone records.
Prosecutors say Trader has a history of violence and a lengthy criminal record, dating back nearly 20 years, including burglary and armed robbery.
Abzal’s friends are relieved he’s finally getting some justice.
INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
