Update RE: Homicide in Rural Momence, One in Custody
Approximately 26 hours after the heinous murder of 30-year-old, Courtney M. Drysdale, in rural Momence, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office has announced the capture of her alleged assailant. The alleged murder suspect, identified as 47-year-old, Julius E. Burkes Jr., was apprehended in the 6400 block of Rhode Island Ave., in Hammond, IN, as he was exiting his residence.
“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,” said Sheriff Mike Downey. “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 is currently being held in Indiana where he awaits an extradition hearing back to Illinois where he will ultimately face 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. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.