Suspect arrested in ‘execution’ killing of mother on the Chicago bar she owned | EUROtoday

A person has been arrested following the killing of a 30‑yr‑previous mother who was shot “execution‑style” whereas opening the bar she owned in Chicago, police mentioned.

Courtney Drysdale, a mother-of-one, had been opening up The Line bar Monday morning when a person arrived at round 11 a.m., brandished a gun and demanded money.

Despite Drysdale apparently complying with the request she was shot twice at shut vary earlier than the gunman fled in a white BMW.

The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office introduced the arrest of 47‑yr‑previous Julius E. Burkes Jr. roughly 26 hours after Drysdale was discovered lifeless contained in the bar afterward Monday morning.

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Burkes was taken into custody in Hammond, Indiana, after investigators launched surveillance pictures and appealed to the general public for assist.

Sheriff Mike Downey mentioned a surge of group ideas helped lead officers to the suspect. Speaking to reporters, he described the taking pictures as “devastating and horrific.”

“Miss Drysdale complied with the suspect’s demands,” Downey mentioned. “Despite her co-operation, the suspect shot her twice, execution style, before fleeing the scene. No-one else was in the building at the time of the incident.”

Burkes was arrested as he left his dwelling and is being held in Indiana on suspicion of homicide. He is awaiting an extradition listening to to return to Illinois and is anticipated in court docket Wednesday.

Surveillance footage captured pictures of the suspect sporting a baseball cap, glasses and a vibrant yellow jacket.

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Downey mentioned Burkes had additionally tried to take away the bar’s recording machine, however investigators have been nonetheless in a position to get well video proof. A $5,000 reward had been provided for info resulting in an arrest.

“Courtney was deeply loved, not only by her family and her young daughter, but also by the many patrons and friends whose lives she touched,” Downey mentioned.

A candle was positioned exterior the bar on Tuesday as deputies continued amassing proof.

Friends described Drysdale as beneficiant and dedicated to her household.

“It feels like a really big relief that someone is in custody to do justice for Courtney because he took a beautiful soul,” Hailey Gershon, a longtime good friend and co‑employee instructed ABC7.

“She would always put others first, no matter what she was going through.”

The Line bar, the place Drysdale had labored for years earlier than turning into proprietor, mentioned it would stay closed till additional discover.

“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,” Downey mentioned.