A tragic shooting at a rural bar near the Illinois–Indiana border has led to the death of its owner, 30-year-old Courtney Drysdale, and the arrest of a suspect within just over a day.
Bar Owner Shot During Robbery
On the morning of February 2, officers from the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a possible deceased person at a bar near the state line. When they arrived, they found Drysdale’s body. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, Drysdale was alone and preparing to open the bar when a man entered the premises. Surveillance footage shows the suspect walked in with a gun and demanded money from the register. Though Drysdale reportedly complied, she was still shot twice at close range in what authorities are calling an execution-style killing.
The suspect then fled in a white BMW sedan, setting off a multi-agency manhunt.
Suspect Caught Thanks to Surveillance and Tips
Despite the suspect’s efforts to destroy the bar’s security system, police were able to recover valuable footage. Images of the shooter were shared publicly, and a $5,000 reward was offered for any information.
Just over 24 hours later, officers arrested Julius E. Burkes Jr., 47, outside his home in Hammond, Indiana, after a tip led authorities to his location. He was taken into custody on suspicion of murder and is currently awaiting extradition to Illinois.
At the time of his arrest, Burkes was reportedly out on bond for another case. During a court appearance on February 4, he waived extradition, but a judge ruled he must resolve his pending legal matter in Indiana before being transferred to Illinois. His next court hearing is scheduled for February 26.
Investigators are still working to confirm whether Burkes was familiar with the bar or if the crime was random.
Community Mourns the Loss of a Loved Local
At a press conference, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey spoke emotionally about the victim. “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,” he said.
Drysdale’s death has devastated the local community, who remember her as a kind, hardworking woman dedicated to her family and her business.
