A Steger man on trial for first-degree murder in the Jan. 1, 2020, stabbing of 28-year-old Ryan Connell repeatedly erupted in outbursts Tuesday, leading Judge Kenneth Zelazo to hold him in criminal contempt.
The first outburst occurred during Richard Proctor’s questioning of Seamus Porter, a detainee from Lake County, Indiana, who was brought in to testify in Proctor’s defense.
Tensions flared over whether Proctor, who is representing himself, could present photographs of Hannah Kuckuck’s marked-up hands apparently taken just days after Connell was found with several blunt force trauma and stab wounds in Proctor’s apartment..
Kuckuck, who was picked up by Porter after a party at Proctor’s apartment where Connell was killed, had been listed as a prosecution witness before her death.
Proctor, 29, grew increasingly frustrated while defending the use of the photographs, loudly telling Zalazo “I did not kill my best friend.”
“Your conduct is unacceptable,” Zelazo said.
“I don’t like your conduct,” Proctor fired back.
After Zelazo ruled Proctor couldn’t use the photographs, Proctor, sobbing, said he did not want to proceed with the trial. Zelazo said the trial would still continue without him, and Proctor agreed to proceed.
Porter said under questioning from prosecutors he did not notice any injuries on Kuckuck’s face or body after picking her up.
Charles Miceli, a former friend of Proctor’s who testified against him last week saying Proctor sought to have Kuckuck killed before she could testify, was brought back for questioning.
“When I first met you, and before you solicited me, and also made other comments to harm other people, yes, I thought highly of you,” Miceli told Proctor. “I actually felt sorry for you because your drug and alcohol problems and the fact that your family wasn’t exactly supportive.”
Miceli, who was outspoken about alleged family ties to Chicago mobs, said he uses his connections to help authorities investigate and put away convicts.
While he has been convicted on felony charges involving fraudulent contracts and theft, Miceli said he served his time and never sought any personal gain for his cooperation in criminal investigations.
“I paid my penalty. There’s nothing I can do about it,” Miceli said. “I appeal. I chose to go to trial … and unfortunately I didn’t have enough evidence to prove that I was telling the truth.”
Proctor said he questioned Miceli about his mob connections and criminal history to portray him as someone that lies.
“There’s no timestamp when it comes to lies, deception and fraud,” Proctor said.
“I will not deny being a cooperating witness or an informant for the government,” Miceli said. “That does make me a rat in my world Mr. Proctor.”
After Proctor questioned Miceli about whether he had ever informed Proctor of his family’s mob ties, the exchange escalated. Proctor said “I do not have a background,” to which Miceli retorted, “I didn’t kill anyone.”
Proctor grew frustrated again and shouted “He’s a rat and a liar” in front of the jury.
Zelazo told Proctor to calm down to which he replied, “I don’t give a damn.”
Zelazo charged Proctor with a second count of direct criminal contempt for his outbursts and “vulgar” language during the trial. Zelazo warned Proctor any further disruption would result in his removal from the courtroom and the continuation of the trial in his absence.
The trial is expected to continue Wednesday at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet.
smoilanan@chicagotribune.com