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The individual implicated in the fatal shooting of a Momence bar owner is now confronted with federal indictments.
Julius Burkes, a 47-year-old resident of Hammond, appeared in court on Friday to address these fresh charges.
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The charges against him comprise murder and interference with commerce through robbery.
Authorities allege that Burkes was responsible for the February shooting that took the life of bar owner Courtney Drysdale.
In February, Kankakee County prosecutors had already filed charges of murder and armed robbery against him.
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.
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