Cops: Man charged fatal stabbing in Steger

A Steger man was charged with killing a 28-year-old man by stabbing him multiple times during a fight, police said.

About 9:40 p.m. Friday, Richard H. Proctor, 25, of the 300 block of Chicago Road was booked into the Will County jail on a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the incident. Proctor’s bond was set at $2.5 million.

About 7:30 a.m. New Year’s Day, police officers went to Proctor’s home on Chicago Road in reference to a well-being check, according to a Steger police news release.

When the officers arrived, they found Ryan S. Connell of Steger dead inside the home, according to the release. The officers secured the scene and waited for detectives to arrive.

Based on the scene, it appeared Connell had been in a fight, according to the release. The Will County Coroner’s Office determined Connell died from multiple stab wounds.

Detectives with Steger police and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force conducted numerous interviews and obtained statements, and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charge and arrest of Proctor.

Proctor was arrested at the Will County courthouse, where he was scheduled to appear for an unrelated case.

Steger Police Chief Pat Rossi said motive in the homicide and why the physical alteration occurred between Connell and Proctor “are both unknown,” as Proctor was not talking.