Overview
- Trader, 34, is accused of striking Abzal at the dock gate after trespassing into the locked docks with three companions around 2:43 a.m. on Aug. 30, 2025.
- The blow allegedly sent the 63-year-old captain’s head into a metal grate before he fell into Lake Michigan, with the medical examiner ruling the death a homicide by drowning.
- Prosecutors say Trader called 911 from his phone, gave the name “Young James,” pointed out where Abzal went under, then scaled the gate to retrieve what looked like a wallet before leaving.
- Detectives say they identified Trader through surveillance, phone records from the 911 call, witness identifications, and prior DUI body-camera footage reviewed by officers.
- Judge John Hock ordered Trader held pending trial; he was already jailed on unrelated cases, and further court proceedings are scheduled later this month.