An Indiana man has been arrested after authorities say an Illinois bar owner was fatally shot “execution-style” during what investigators believe was a robbery attempt.
Julius Burkes Jr. was taken into custody in connection with the death of Courtney Drysdale, 30, who was shot and killed in Momence, Illinois, on Monday, Feb. 2, according to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office.
Drysdale owned The Line, a bar in Momence. Police said she was following her normal routine to open the business when she was attacked Monday morning, per NBC Chicago.
Investigators allege Burkes demanded money before allegedly shooting Drysdale, according to reports from NBC and ABC.
Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey described the shooting as “execution-style” and said Drysdale—who was the mother of a young daughter—was widely loved in the community.
“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.”
Burkes was arrested in Indiana on Tuesday, Feb. 3—one day after the shooting—after authorities took him into custody as he was leaving his residence, the sheriff’s office said.
Police have not publicly identified a motive. Burkes is currently being held in Indiana while awaiting extradition, and it remains unclear whether he has been formally charged.
