KANKAKEE COUNTY, IL — An Indiana man charged in the Feb. 2 slaying of a beloved Momence bar owner appeared in Kankakee County Circuit Court Wednesday, and was ordered to remain behind bars while he awaits trial.

Julius E. Burkes Jr., 47, was transferred to Jerome Combs Detention Center from Indiana on Tuesday, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday afternoon. He has since been formally charged in the Feb. 2 shooting death of Courtney Drysdale, 30, at her business The Line.

Burkes is accused of shooting Drysdale twice execution-style at the bar 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.

The next day, Burkes was arrested leaving his residence in Hammond, Indiana. His arrest with came just hours after authorities shared images of a person and vehicle of interest. The images were obtained when Burkes allegedly tried to remove what he believed to be a recording device from the wall. Burkes’ Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey attributed his swift capture to the public’s engagement and tips offered.

“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.”

Burkes then waived extradition in Indiana court, telling a judge he is currently on bond there for another offense. Court records there show he is charged with felony residential entry (or breaking and entering).

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, warmth and kind heart. She was laid to rest Tuesday.

Drysdale is survived by her daughter Aubrey, fiancé Neil Trudeau, father Glenn Novotny, and brothers James (Trista Hodges) Drysdale and Robert (Anna) Novotny, as well as other family. Her mother preceded her in death.

A GoFundMe has been established supporting Drysdale’s daughter.

“… 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.”

Burkes was remanded Wednesday by Judge Andrew Purcell, who subsequently ordered a pretrial investigation report.

Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe will seek a life sentence if Burkes is convicted, court records show.