CHICAGO — A man is facing murder charges tied to the drowning of a well-known boat captain during the Labor Day weekend on Lake Michigan. Alexis Trader, already in custody for an unrelated battery case, was charged Wednesday in connection with the suspicious death of 63-year-old Nabil Abzal.
During a court appearance Thursday, Trader, 34, was seen in a beige jail jumpsuit, quietly conferring with his attorney as Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Pekara outlined the prosecution’s case. Cook County Judge John Hock ordered Trader to remain detained.
Prosecutors allege that Trader pushed Abzal into a metal gate around 2:45 a.m. on August 30, resulting in a head injury that led to Abzal falling into the water at DuSable Harbor. The incident occurred as Abzal, who was sleeping aboard his boat, was awakened by a group of people taking photographs. While escorting them off the boat, Abzal reportedly opened the dock gate and encountered Trader and another man. Trader is then accused of physically attacking Abzal, leading to him falling into the lake.
Pekara described the incident as “an unprovoked attack on a senior citizen,” equating it to a dangerous push off a cliff. Abzal’s death was ruled a homicide by the Cook County medical examiner’s office, despite the cause being listed as drowning. His wife, Laura Abzal, expressed her shock and sorrow in the aftermath, describing the event as surreal.
Witnesses reported that a fisherman nearby heard the splash and that Trader even directed him to assist Abzal. Trader allegedly called 911, providing false identification before departing the scene with others using a rideshare service. His attorney, Scott Kozicki, argued that Trader attempted to help and did not flee immediately after the incident, although he did use an alias during his interactions with authorities.
Pekara countered, emphasizing that any name not consistent with one’s legal identity constitutes a form of deception. Trader has a lengthy criminal record that includes various burglaries and armed robbery. Kozicki maintained that these offenses occurred in Trader’s youth, asserting that he has since changed his life and is a devoted father to four children.
Judge Hock acknowledged the gravity of the situation, citing Trader’s alleged violent actions and their potential consequences. “A violent punch in this way, especially to someone taken by surprise, creates a strong likelihood of serious harm or death,” he remarked.
Trader’s next court date is scheduled for February 25 as the case continues to unfold, drawing attention to the tragic circumstances surrounding Abzal’s death.