In a tragic incident that has shaken the local community and left a family grieving, a Chicago man has been charged with the murder of Nabil Abzal, affectionately known as “Captain Bill.” The 63-year-old charter captain met a violent end during a confrontation with trespassers on his boat over the Labour Day weekend in 2025. Alexis Trader, 34, faces first-degree murder charges, marking a grim turn in a case that has captivated the city.
A Night of Tragedy
The events unfolded on the night of August 30, when Abzal was aboard his yacht, aptly named “Gone,” at DuSable Harbor. According to prosecutors, Trader scaled a locked dock gate to let two women and another man onto the pier. Surveillance footage reveals the group entering the dock around 2:45 a.m. The women climbed onto Abzal’s boat and began taking photographs, prompting the captain to confront them.
Witnesses report that Abzal attempted to escort the trespassers off his vessel. As he opened the gate, Trader allegedly approached from behind and struck him, causing Abzal to fall and hit his head against a metal component of the gate before sinking into the water. The impact of the blow was severe, and Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Pekara described it as akin to “giving someone a push as they stand next to a cliff.”
The Aftermath
A nearby fisherman, alerted by the commotion, was told by Trader that someone had fallen into the water and needed assistance. The fisherman immediately called 911. Paradoxically, Trader also dialled emergency services but failed to mention the circumstances surrounding Abzal’s fall, even providing a false name, “Young James.”
When authorities arrived, Trader continued to mislead them, pointing out where Abzal had gone under without disclosing the assault. In an apparent attempt to cover his tracks, Trader even returned to the scene to retrieve what appeared to be a wallet before leaving with the group in a ride-share vehicle. Tragically, Chicago Fire Department divers located Abzal’s body just ten minutes later, with the autopsy confirming he had drowned, ruling his death a homicide.
A History of Violence
The investigation revealed troubling details about Trader’s past. He was already in custody for an unrelated aggravated battery charge when he was linked to Abzal’s death. His criminal background, which dates back to 2008, includes a series of violent offences such as burglaries, armed robbery, and an attack on a gas station attendant earlier in 2025.
In court, defence attorney Scott Kozicki argued that there were no direct witnesses to Trader striking Abzal and claimed his client had attempted to assist the situation. “Did he run? No. He called 911 and told them all the information that he knew,” Kozicki insisted. However, prosecutors contended that Trader’s actions displayed a clear degree of recklessness and deception, particularly in light of his untruthful statements to police.
Judge Hock, presiding over the case, agreed that Trader’s violent history warranted detention, asserting that an unexpected punch could lead to severe consequences. The judge ordered Trader to remain in jail, setting the next court date for February 25.
Community Mourning
Abzal’s death has left a profound impact on his family and the boating community. A licensed charter captain, he often spent nights aboard his vessels to avoid the lengthy commute from his home in Plainfield, Illinois. His wife, Laura Abzal, expressed her shock and heartbreak. “I was stunned. I have no words to express how I felt. It’s still very surreal,” she said, recounting her initial thoughts that he might have suffered a heart attack rather than the violent end he faced.
Known for his kindness and passion for boating, Abzal earned the nickname “Captain Bill” due to the struggles many had with his given name. Laura shared how her husband fell in love with the water after a childhood experience in a small boat. “He loved [Chicago] and he loved [Lake Michigan], and had it not been against his beliefs, he would want to have been buried in that lake,” she lamented.
Why it Matters
The case of Nabil Abzal serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected violence that can erupt in seemingly innocuous situations. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community grapples with the loss of a beloved figure who embodied the spirit of Chicago’s maritime culture. The implications of this incident extend beyond a single act of violence; they resonate through a community left to mourn and reflect on the profound impact of one man’s tragic death.
