Bar Owner Shot in Illinois
A bar owner in rural Illinois was reportedly shot and killed in a shocking incident that authorities are describing as “execution style.” The victim, 30-year-old Courtney Drysdale, was allegedly killed by convicted murderer Julius E. Burks Jr. just before opening up for business on Monday morning.
The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office reported that Drysdale was shot shortly after 11 a.m. while she went about her routine at The Line Bar, located on Route 114 in Momence, Illinois, which is near the Indiana border. Officers found her body at the scene, where she was declared dead.
According to Sheriff Mike Downey, Burks, 47, entered the bar armed and demanded money from Drysdale. Despite complying with his demands, the sheriff stated that Burks shot her twice before fleeing.
At the time of the shooting, Drysdale was reportedly the only person in the bar. Downey spoke about the impact of this tragic event, noting, “Courtney was deeply loved, not just by her family and young daughter, but also by her many friends and patrons. This senseless act of violence has affected our community greatly, and we are determined to find those responsible.”
Drysdale had taken over the bar in 2022, rebranding it as “The Line” and celebrating its reopening later that June. The establishment operated every day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Burks was apprehended in Indiana on February 3, 2026, shortly after authorities circulated a photo of him, believed to show him wearing a high-visibility jacket and holding a clipboard. This was part of a public call for information that led to his identification.
After releasing the image, Burks was arrested just hours later outside his home, which is about 82 miles north of the bar. Sheriff Downey commended the community for their quick response, noting the useful tips they provided that led to Burks’s “peaceful arrest.” He underscored that this type of violence has no place in society.
Currently, Burks is being held in Indiana and is expected to be extradited to Illinois. However, that transfer is on hold due to a pending home invasion case in Lake County. Reports indicate that Burks has a significant criminal history, including previous arrests for assault and stalking, as well as a conviction for two counts of murder when he was only 15 years old.
Drysdale is survived by her teenage daughter and fiancé, Neil Trudeau. The bar has announced it will remain closed in the wake of this tragic incident.
