Homicide Investigation at Rural Momence Bar Leads to Arrest in Hammond
MOMENCE, IL — A homicide investigation stemming from the killing of a 30-year-old woman at a rural Momence bar has led to the arrest of a suspect in Hammond.
According to the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched shortly before noon on Monday, February 2, to a bar along Illinois Route 114 near the Illinois–Indiana state line following a report of a possible deceased individual. Upon arrival, deputies located Courtney M. Drysdale, 30, of Momence, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators believe Drysdale was the owner of the bar, known as The Line.
Based on evidence gathered during the preliminary investigation, sheriff’s detectives classified the case as a homicide.
During a press conference Tuesday morning, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey provided additional details, stating that the suspect entered the bar as Drysdale was preparing to open for the day. Downey said the suspect produced a handgun and demanded money. Drysdale complied, but investigators say she was then shot twice in what Downey described as an “execution-style” killing.
Authorities said the suspect attempted to remove a video recording device from the bar, but investigators were still able to obtain video evidence. The suspect then fled the scene in a white BMW sedan, heading toward Indiana.
Later Tuesday afternoon, law enforcement agencies converged in the 6400 block of Rhode Island Avenue in Hammond. Around 1 p.m., a person of interest was taken into custody as officers conducted activity in the surrounding area.
Approximately 26 hours after the homicide, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of the alleged suspect. Authorities identified him as 47-year-old Julius E. Burkes Jr., who was taken into custody without incident as he exited his residence in Hammond.
“I want to praise the extraordinary efforts of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Hammond Police Department on this quick and peaceful apprehension,” Sheriff Downey said. “I also want to commend the community for coming together and providing a large number of tips and information that ultimately led to this swift arrest.”
Downey added that violent crimes such as this “have no place in our society” and expressed appreciation for the support from the public, media, and partner agencies.
Burkes is currently being held in Indiana and is awaiting an extradition hearing back to Illinois, where he is expected to face charges related to the homicide.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office at (815) 802-7150. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (815) 93-CRIME or (815) 932-7463.
