A 47-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the execution-style murder of a mother-of-one who was shot while opening her bar near Chicago, police have said.
Courtney Drysdale, 30, was opening The Line bar in Momence, Illinois, on Monday morning when a man arrived, brandished a gun and demanded cash. Despite complying, she was shot twice at close range before the suspect fled in a white BMW.
The Kankakee County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of Julius E. Burkes Jr. roughly 26 hours after Drysdale was found dead. Burkes was taken into custody in Hammond, Indiana, after investigators released surveillance images and appealed for public help.
Sheriff Mike Downey said a surge of community tips led to the suspect. He described the shooting as “devastating and horrific,” noting that Drysdale had complied with demands but was shot execution-style. Burkes is being held in Indiana on suspicion of murder and awaits extradition to Illinois.
Surveillance footage captured the suspect wearing a baseball cap, glasses and a bright yellow jacket. Downey said Burkes attempted to remove the bar's recording device, but investigators recovered video evidence. A $5,000 reward had been offered for information.
Friends described Drysdale as generous and devoted to her family. The Line bar, where she had worked for years before becoming owner, will remain closed until further notice.
