Bar Owner's Accused Killer's Case Now In Feds' Hands, Death Penalty A Possibility: Prosecutors

URBANA — A federal jury last week indicted an Indiana man in the robbery and murder of a beloved Momence bar owner, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Thursday.

A grand jury in the Central District of Illinois returned the indictment on April 8, charging Julius Burkes, 47, with obstruction of commerce by robbery, murder and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon. Burkes is accused of robbing and fatally shooting Courtney Drysdale, owner of The Line, on Feb. 2. The indictment was unsealed on April 13.

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Burkes is accused of shooting Drysdale twice execution-style at the bar, which is located on the Illinois/Indiana state line on Illinois Route 114. Burkes allegedly entered the bar as Drysdale was opening it and demanded she hand over cash. Drysdale complied but was shot and killed anyway, the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office said. Burkes then fled, heading towards Indiana, police said.

Burkes was arrested in Hammond, Indiana, on Feb. 3 by officers of the Hammond Police Department, who were working in coordination with the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office. Burkes has remained in law enforcement custody since that date. He was initially charged by the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office, which has been working in coordination with federal authorities and the U.S. Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation and after Burkes’ arrest.

If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties for obstruction of commerce by robbery are up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. The maximum statutory penalties for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon are up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. The maximum penalty for murder is up to life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

Agencies participating in the investigation include the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office; the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force (“TCAT”); the Illinois State Police; the Momence Police Department; the Bradley Police Department; the Grant Park Police Department; the Hammond Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force; and the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan D. Freres is representing the United States in the prosecution.

"We have coordinated closely with our partners at the U.S. Department of Justice, who will now assume responsibility for prosecuting this case in federal court," said Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe. "This decision reflects a commitment to ensuring that the case proceeds in the most appropriate forum and allows for the full range of penalties available under federal law, including the possibility of the death penalty. We remain focused on seeking justice for the victim and supporting her loved ones, and will continue to support the federal prosecution as needed."

Drysdale had been a longtime bartender at the business before becoming the owner in 2022 and was remembered in her obituary for her pride in the business, her warmth and kind heart.

A GoFundMe supporting Drysdale's young daughter has raised $40,000 to date.

"... Courtney was deeply loved, not only by her family and young daughter, but also by the many patrons and friends whose lives she touched," said Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey. "This senseless act of violence has profoundly impacted our community, and we are fully committed to bringing the person responsible to justice.

"We hope that in some way the apprehension of this monster will bring some sort of peace to Courtney’s family, friends and community," the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office said on social media following Burkes' arrest.

Rowe said transferring the case to federal authorities allows greater access to investigative resources and enables prosecutors to seek the maximum penalty.

"Cases are transferred to federal authorities when the conduct falls within federal jurisdiction and can be prosecuted under federal law," Rowe wrote. "Coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice allows the case to proceed in a forum that provides access to additional investigative resources and stricter penalties, in a single, coordinated effort to pursue justice."