Suspect in Custody After Execution-Style Killing of Chicago Bar Owner
Police have made an arrest in the execution-style killing of a 30-year-old mother who was shot while opening the bar she owned in Chicago. The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Julius E. Burkes Jr., was taken into custody roughly 26 hours after the fatal incident.
Details of the Tragic Shooting
Courtney Drysdale, a mother-of-one, was opening The Line bar on Monday morning when a man arrived at approximately 11 a.m. The individual brandished a firearm and demanded cash. According to authorities, Drysdale complied with the demand, but was nonetheless shot twice at close range before the gunman fled the scene in a white BMW vehicle.
Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey described the shooting as "devastating and horrific." He stated, "Miss Drysdale complied with the suspect's demands. Despite her co-operation, the suspect shot her twice, execution style, before fleeing the scene. No-one else was in the building at the time of the incident."
Arrest and Investigation
Burkes was arrested by police in Hammond, Indiana, on Tuesday as he left his residence. The arrest followed a public appeal for information and the release of surveillance images depicting a suspect wearing a baseball cap, glasses, and a distinctive bright yellow jacket.
Sheriff Downey credited a surge of community tips with helping officers locate the suspect. He also noted that Burkes had attempted to remove the bar's recording device, but investigators were successful in recovering crucial video evidence. A reward of $5,000 had been offered for information leading to an arrest.
Burkes is currently being held in Indiana on suspicion of murder and is awaiting an extradition hearing to return to Illinois. He is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
Remembering Courtney Drysdale
Friends and the community have mourned the loss of Courtney Drysdale, describing her as a generous and devoted individual. "It feels like a really big relief that someone is in custody to do justice for Courtney because he took a beautiful soul," said Hailey Gershon, a longtime friend and co-worker. "She would always put others first, no matter what she was going through."
Sheriff Downey added, "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." A candle was placed outside The Line bar on Tuesday as deputies continued their evidence collection.
Community and Legal Response
The Line bar, where Drysdale had worked for years before becoming the owner, will remain closed until further notice. Sheriff Downey expressed gratitude for the public's support, stating, "This type of violent behavior has no place in our society, and I am extremely appreciative of the overwhelming support we received from the public, the media as well as our partners in the criminal justice system near and far."
The case highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime and the impact on local communities and businesses.
