An Indiana man, Julius Burkes Jr., faces accusations of murdering Illinois bar owner Courtney Drysdale in an execution-style shooting during a robbery attempt.
Incident Details
Courtney Drysdale, 30, was fatally shot on February 2, 2026, around 11 a.m. while preparing to open The Line bar in rural Momence, Illinois, near the Indiana border. Burkes allegedly entered, brandished a gun, demanded cash from the register, and shot her twice despite her compliance before fleeing in a white BMW sedan.
Arrest and Status
Burkes, 47, was arrested on February 3 in Hammond, Indiana, as he exited his residence, following public tips and surveillance footage showing him in a yellow jacket, baseball cap, and glasses. He remains in Indiana custody awaiting extradition to Illinois, where he will face charges; no formal charges or motive have been detailed yet.
Community Impact
Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey described the killing as senseless, noting Drysdale—a mother of a young daughter—was deeply loved by patrons and family. Authorities offered a $5,000 reward that aided the quick arrest.
