Man accused of killing Momence bar owner in 'execution-style' shooting now facing federal charges

Friday, April 17, 2026 7:54PM CT
MOMENCE, Ill. (WLS) -- The man accused of a shooting a Momence bar owner to death now faces federal charges.

Julius Burkes, 47, of Hammond, made his first appearance on the new charges Friday.



They include murder and obstruction of commerce by robbery.

Investigators say he shot and killed Courtney Drysdale at her bar in February.

Prosecutors in Kankakee County charged him that same month, with murder and armed robbery.

They said the killing appeared to be targeted.

Burkes pleaded not guilty to the Kankakee County charges and demanded a trial by jury.

Prosecutors said Burkes walked into the Line Bar, demanded money and shot the 30-year-old mother twice in the head.

According to court records, the two once worked together at the bar, when it was owned by someone else.

Burkes was allegedly fired for stealing money from the cash register, which Drysdale reported to the owners.

Burkes was on bond for a previous charge at the time of the shooting.

30-year-old Momence woman Courtney M. Drysdale was shot and killed in Momence, Illinois.



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-Momence bar owner reported suspect in her death for previous alleged theft: Kankakee Co. prosecutors

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