Crime & Safety
Arrest Made In Murder Of Beloved Plainfield Boater 'Captain Bill'
Known as "Mayor of the dock," the 63-year-old's death was ruled a homicide after he was struck and fell into the lake, police said.
PLAINFIELD, IL — More than five months after the death of a beloved boater known to many as "Captain Bill" and dubbed "mayor of the dock," Chicago police have announced an arrest.
Police said Nabil Abzal, 63, of Plainfield died early on Aug. 30 after he was battered, causing him to lose his balance and fall into the lake at DuSable Harbor, where he drowned. His body was pulled from the lake that morning, and his death was ruled a homicide.
On Thursday, Chicago police said 34-year-old Alexis Trader of Chicago was identified as Abzal's attacker and arrested on one count of first-degree murder.
Find out what's happening in Plainfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
First responders responded to several 911 calls reporting a man had fallen from a dock at 200 N. Lake Shore Drive just after 3 a.m. Aug. 30.
"Captain Bill, as he was referred by most people, was kind of like the mayor of the dock," a boater told ABC7 of Abzal. Another boater said, "He knew everybody, always a smile on his face, up early, well-groomed all the time for a boat captain. He took a lot of pride in his appearance. You know if you were doing something, he would always lend a hand."
Find out what's happening in Plainfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Days later, WGN reported that at least four suspects were wanted in connection with Abzal's death.
No other information was released on Trader or his arrest. His next court date is Feb. 9, according to Cook County jail records.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
