Suspect In Momence Bar Owner's Slaying Was On Bond In Indiana, Waives Extradition To Illinois

INDIANA — A man arrested in connection with the slaying of a beloved bar owner in Momence has waived extradition back to Illinois, according to a report.

Julius E. Burkes Jr., 47, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon, 26 hours after Courtney Drysdale, 30, was fatally shot at The Line bar in rural Momence. Burkes allegedly entered the bar and demanded Drysdale hand over cash. Police say she complied, but was shot twice execution-style. The suspect then fled, heading towards Indiana, police said.

The next day, Burkes was arrested leaving his residence in Hammond, Indiana.

On Wednesday, he waived extradition in Indiana court, telling a judge he is currently on bond there for another offense, ABC7 reports. Court records there show he is charged with felony breaking and entering into a residence; he is accused of breaking into the home of a former girlfriend. It also shows a no-contact order issued against him on Jan. 20. His next court date in Indiana is set for Feb. 26.

He will not be brought to Illinois until his Indiana case is resolved, according to ABC. He is being held at the Lake County, Indiana jail on an arrest warrant out of Kankakee County, said Kankakee County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Trent Bukowski in an email. Charges in Kankakee County remain pending his transfer into their custody.

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Announcement of Burkes's arrest Tuesday came just hours after authorities shared images of a person and vehicle of interest. Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey attributed his swift capture to the public's engagement and tips offered. The images were obtained after the man tried to remove what he believed to be a recording device from the wall.

"I want to praise, not only the extraordinary efforts of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force, the FBI, the US Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Hammond Police Department on this quick and peaceful apprehension, but I want to commend the community-at-large for coming together and providing quantities of tips and information that ultimately led to this swift arrest,” Downey said.

"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.”

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

"... 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 sheriff's office said on social media. "Please continue to keep them in your prayers."