A felon convicted of murder was released early from an Illinois prison and is now the lead suspect in the execution-style killing of a mother and bar owner during a robbery.
Julius Burkes Jr., who pleaded guilty to felony murder in 1995 and was sentenced to 37 years, served only 17 years before being freed, Newsmax crime correspondent Jason Mattera reported on Newsmax's "Wake Up America" on Tuesday.
Authorities say his criminal troubles continued after release, including battery, stalking, and a recent burglary arrest in December 2025 — for which he was released on bond.
Investigators allege that while out on bond, Burkes entered Courtney Drysdale's bar near the Illinois–Indiana border on Feb. 2, demanded cash, and shot the 30-year-old single mother twice despite her cooperation. Police say he fled in a white BMW and even attempted to disable security cameras.
Burkes was arrested the next day after surveillance images were shared publicly. Drysdale's community is now mourning her loss, and her child is left without a mother.
Had Burkes served his full sentence, Drysdale would likely still be alive today, according to Mattera, calling the case a tragic example of the consequences of early release for violent offenders.
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