A manhunt concluded with the arrest of a suspect linked to the death of an Illinois bar owner, who was tragically killed in what authorities describe as an “execution-style” shooting. The apprehension took place following the murder incident, which occurred on a Monday.
According to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department, Julius E. Burkes Jr., aged 47, was detained on Tuesday in connection with the murder of Courtney M. Drysdale, 30. The shocking event transpired just before midday inside The Line, a bar owned by Drysdale in rural Momence, near the Illinois-Indiana border.
Reports from WGNTV, referencing the sheriff’s office, detail that the incident occurred as Drysdale, who was also a mother, was opening the bar for business. The suspect allegedly entered the premises, brandished a firearm, and demanded money. Despite Drysdale complying with the suspect’s demands, she was shot twice — a chilling act described by investigators as “execution-style.”
Surveillance footage from the bar depicted a suspect wearing a vivid yellow jacket, accessorized with a hat and glasses, as well as departing from the scene in a white BMW. These images were disseminated by authorities in hopes of gathering information.
The suspect apparently attempted to tamper with the bar’s video recording equipment before fleeing to Indiana. The suspect was observed leaving the vicinity in a white BMW, which was instrumental in tracking his movements.
Law enforcement, including the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, succeeded in apprehending Burkes as he was exiting his residence in Hammond, Indiana, about 26 hours after the murder. Collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, aided by public tips, proved crucial in this swift apprehension.
“We hope that in some way the apprehension of this monster will bring some sort of peace to Courtney’s family, friends, and community,” conveyed Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey.
Court documents uncovered by WGNTV reveal that Burkes has a lengthy criminal history, including allegations of forcibly entering an ex-girlfriend’s home in December. He was reportedly on bond for this incident during the time of Drysdale’s murder. Furthermore, records highlight a 2014 battery case for which he pled guilty, serving a 12-month supervised release term. Additionally, Burkes has a past conviction of pleading guilty to two counts of felony murder from when he was 15 years old in 1995, resulting in a 37-year sentence, although details about the specific crime remain obscure.
Currently held in Indiana, Burkes awaits extradition back to Illinois to face charges for his alleged actions linked to the tragic event.