HORROR AS MOM, 30, FOUND DEAD AFTER EXECUTION-STYLE MURDER AT BAR SHE OWNED

A beloved business owner and mother was murdered 'execution style' in her bar after her cold-hearted killer demanded cash, according to police. 

Courtney Drysdale, 30, was shot dead on Monday at around 11 am while she was alone in her bar, The Line, in Momence, Illinois. 

Investigators say she was opening for the day when her suspected killer, Julius E Burkes Jr, 47, allegedly stormed inside and demanded money from the register. 

The terrified victim complied with his demands - but that did not stop him from fatally shooting her twice before fleeing the scene, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey said during a Tuesday press conference. 

He noted that Burkes allegedly tried to take down a camera inside the bar before he took off. 

'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, per NBC. 

'This senseless act of violence has profoundly impacted our community and we are fully committed to bringing the person responsible to justice.' 

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, the sheriff's office released surveillance images of the sunglass-wearing suspect, who was then on the run.

The statement warned that he was seen leaving The Line with a gun and was considered 'armed and dangerous.' 

Authorities also released an image of the person-of-interest's white BMW and offered a $5,000 cash reward for anyone who could help identify him. 

Downey was arrested while leaving his home in Hammond, Indiana, later that day. 

'This type of violent behavior has no place in our society,' Downey said in a written statement. 

Burkes is being held in Indiana as he awaits extradition to Illinois. 

'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 wrote. 

Drysdale's death has left her community and loved ones shaken, with tributes pouring in on social media. 

'Words can't explain how bad it's gonna hurt and gonna be hard to say goodbye, not just for me but for everyone. You were an amazing person and a very great mother,' one family member wrote on Facebook.

'We love you so much, rest easy, girl. You will be severely missed. We'll all see you again one day.'

'There’s something special about growing up with a cousin- shared memories, goofy holidays, and a lifetime of moments side by side,' her cousin said in a heartbreaking message. 

'You may have been four years younger, but I always admired you for your fierce drive and huge heart. And thirty years of that was never enough.' 

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2026-02-04T21:42:33Z