A man has been taken into custody after the killing of a 30‑year‑old mom who was shot “execution‑style” while opening the bar she owned in Chicago, police said.
Courtney Drysdale, a mother of one, was opening The Line bar Monday morning when a man approached at 11 a.m. with a revolver and demanded cash.
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Despite her apparent compliance with the request, Drysdale was shot twice at close range before the gunman escaped in a white BMW.
The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Julius E. Burkes Jr., 47, approximately 26 hours after Drysdale was discovered dead inside the pub on Monday morning.
Burkes was arrested in Hammond, Indiana, after investigators released surveillance images and asked the public for assistance.
Sheriff Mike Downey said a rise in community tips helped officers locate the suspect. Speaking with reporters, he described the incident as “devastating and horrific.”
“Miss Drysdale complied with the suspect’s demands,” Downey told the court. “Despite her cooperation, the perpetrator shot her again in execution style before departing the scene. There was no one else on the premises at the time of the incident.
Burkes was caught while leaving his home and is being jailed in Indiana on accusations of murder. He is awaiting an extradition hearing to return to Illinois and is expected in court on Wednesday.
Surveillance footage showed the guy wearing a baseball cap, glasses, and a bright yellow jacket.
Downey stated that Burkes had also attempted to remove the bar’s recording device, but detectives were still able to collect video footage. A $5,000 reward was offered for information that led to an arrest.
“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 told the crowd.
On Tuesday, a candle was placed outside the bar while deputies continued to collect evidence.
Friends characterized Drysdale as generous and dedicated to her family.
The Line pub, where Drysdale worked for years before becoming owner, has announced that it will remain closed until further notice.
“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,” Downey said.
