Suspect in custody for the execution-style murder of Momence bar owner, sheriff says

MOMENCE, Ill. - A man accused in the execution-style murder of a rural bar owner is now in custody, according to the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office.

The suspect, Julius E. Burkes Jr., 47, was arrested Tuesday in the 6400 block of Rhode Island Avenue in Hammond, Indiana as he was leaving his residence. 

Authorities say Burkes is responsible for the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Courtney M. Drysdale of Momence. 

He is being held in Indiana while he awaits extradition to Illinois. 

What we know:

Shortly before noon on Monday, deputies were called to The Line, a bar along Illinois Route 114 in rural Momence, after receiving a report of an unconscious person, authorities said.  

Based on the evidence gathered at the scene, detectives launched a homicide investigation. 

The following morning, the sheriff’s office released surveillance images of the suspect and vehicle of interest — asking for the public's assistance in identifying the alleged gunman. Kankakee County Crime Stoppers announced a $5,000 cash reward for information that resulted in the positive identification of the suspect.

By Tuesday afternoon, officials announced the apprehension of Burkes — roughly 26 hours after the manhunt began.

Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey said his arrest was the result of a multi-agency collaboration, which included assistance from the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service. 

In addition to tips from the community, surveillance video at the scene helped lead to Burkes' swift apprehension, Downey stated. 

The backstory:

Downey explained that Drysdale was going about her normal routine on Monday just before she was killed. He said she was preparing to open the business, which she owned, around 11 a.m. when Burkes entered the bar.

He was seen on surveillance video wearing a neon yellow safety jacket and carrying a clipboard.

Police said he demanded money from the register, and Drysdale complied.

"Despite her cooperation, the suspect shot her twice, execution style, before fleeing the scene," Downey explained. "No one else was inside the bar at the time of the incident. Before leaving, the subject attempted to remove what he believed to be a digital recording device from the wall. However, investigators have recovered video evidence."

In addition to clear images of the suspect, surveillance video also captured him fleeing east toward Indiana in a white BMW. That's where a team of task force members and police officers ultimately tracked Burkes down.

"This senseless act of violence has profoundly impacted our community. And we are fully committed to bringing the person responsible to justice," Downey said. 

What they're saying:

Drysdale was the mother of a young daughter and was beloved by her customers.

"Courtney was deeply loved, not only by her family and her young daughter, but also by the many patrons and friends whose lives she touched," Downey said.

Drysdale's loved ones, including friend Hailey Gershon, are remembering the light that she brought to their lives.

"Her smile lit up the whole place. Everyone felt good around her," Gershon said. "It feels like a little bit of a weight lifted off my shoulder that she's going to get some type of justice, her family's going to get justice, someone is going to get what they deserve for taking a beautiful soul like hers."

Downey also praised law enforcement agencies and the public for their assistance following Burkes’ arrest.

"I want to praise, not only the extraordinary efforts of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force, the FBI, the US Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Hammond Police Department on this quick and peaceful apprehension, but I want to commend the community-at-large for coming together and providing quantities of tips and information that ultimately led to this swift arrest," Downey shared. "This type of violent behavior has no place in our society, and I am extremely appreciative of the overwhelming support we received from the public, the media as well as our partners in the criminal justice system near and far."

What's next:

Burkes is being held in Indiana while awaiting an extradition hearing to Illinois, according to the sheriff’s office. The investigation remains ongoing.

The bar announced it will be closed until further notice "in spite of tragic events."