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Justice has moved swiftly for a 30-year-old mother killed at her rural Momence business.
The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office announced a major breakthrough in the case Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities have arrested 47-year-old Julius E. Burkes Jr. in connection with the homicide.
The arrest occurred approximately 26 hours after the discovery of the victim.
Courtney M. Drysdale was found dead Monday morning at her bar, “The Line.”
Investigators say Drysdale was shot “execution-style” during an apparent robbery.
The Sheriff revealed she had complied with the gunman’s demands before being killed.
Burkes was apprehended in Hammond, Indiana, at his residence on Rhode Island Avenue.
A massive multi-agency task force coordinated the capture.
The FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local police from both states worked together on the case.
Sheriff Mike Downey praised the community for providing the tips that led to the arrest.
“This type of violent behavior has no place in our society,” Downey stated.
Burkes is currently being held in Indiana awaiting extradition to Illinois.
He will eventually be transported to Kankakee County to face murder charges.
The news brings a sense of relief to a community that has been on edge since Monday.
Drysdale was a well-known figure who left behind a young daughter and a fiancé.
Friends and family are continuing to hold vigils and share tributes online.
The Sheriff’s Office hopes this arrest brings some peace to the grieving family.
Burkes is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
