A chilling murder has sent shockwaves through the Illinois community after a beloved bar owner was brutally killed in what authorities describe as an “execution-style” shooting. The suspect, labeled a “monster” by law enforcement, was apprehended following an intensive manhunt.
Julius E. Burkes Jr., aged 47, was taken into custody on Tuesday, just a day after the tragic murder of 30-year-old Courtney M. Drysdale. This arrest was confirmed by the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department, bringing some relief to the community still grappling with the violent loss.
Drysdale, a mother and the owner of The Line—a bar located in the rural area of Momence near the Illinois-Indiana border—was killed shortly before noon on Monday. According to authorities, the suspect entered as she was opening her establishment, brandishing a gun and demanding money. Despite Drysdale complying with these demands, the suspect proceeded to shoot her twice in a manner described by investigators as “execution-style.”
The tragic event took place on the morning of February 2, 2026, as Drysdale was preparing for another day at her cherished bar, The Line. The community is mourning the loss of a vibrant young woman known for her dedication and warmth.
Surveillance footage from the bar provided crucial evidence, capturing images of the suspect dressed in a conspicuous bright yellow jacket, hat, and glasses. He was seen driving a white BMW, details that aided in his swift capture.
Detectives recovered surveillance images from the bar that showed a suspect wearing a bright yellow jacket, a hat and glasses, and driving a white BMW.
Authorities released surveillance photos of the suspect wearing a bright yellow jacket. Julius E. Burkes Jr., 47, was taken into custody, pictured right, on Tuesday in connection with the murder of Drysdale. (Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department )
The suspect tried to remove a video recording device from the bar before he fled to Indiana, according to authorities.
Authorities said the suspect was seen leaving the area in a white BMW. (Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department )
Burkes was apprehended as he was leaving his residence in Hammond, Indiana, about 26 hours after the murder, the sheriff’s office said.
Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey thanked the public for supplying numerous tips, along with federal, state and local law enforcement officers who worked together to capture the suspect.
“We hope that in some way the apprehension of this monster will bring some sort of peace to Courtney’s family, friends and community,” the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said Courtney Drydale complied with the armed suspect’s demand for money, though the suspect shot her anyway. (Facebook/Courtney Marie Drysdale)
Court records obtained by WGNTV showed that Burkes has a criminal history spanning decades, including allegedly breaking into the home of an ex-girlfriend in December. He was reportedly out on bond for that case at the time of Drysdale’s murder.
The documents showed his criminal history included a 2014 battery case to which he pleaded guilty. He was placed on 12 months of supervised release, which he completed.
In 1995, he pleaded guilty to two counts of felony murder when he was just 15 years old, the outlet reported. He was sentenced to 37 years in that case, though the outlet noted his role in the crime was unclear as records detailing the incident were not immediately available.
Burkes is being held in Indiana, where he awaits an extradition hearing back to Illinois.
