Authorities in Kankakee County are treating the death of a rural Momence bar owner as a homicide after she was found dead Monday near her business on Illinois Route 114. The victim, identified as 30-year-old Courtney M. Drysdale, was pronounced dead near The Line, a bar on the 17000 block of the highway.
Investigation Underway
Kankakee County sheriff’s deputies were called to The Line shortly before noon Monday for a report of a possible deceased person. They found Drysdale at the scene, where she was pronounced dead, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Based on early evidence, sheriff’s detectives have classified the case as a homicide and say the investigation is active and ongoing.
Victim Identified; Autopsy Scheduled
Sheriff’s officials and local reporting identified the victim as Courtney M. Drysdale of Momence. Kankakee County Coroner Bob Gessner said an autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday, according to the Daily Journal. That report notes that The Line sits on the 17000 block of Illinois Route 114, close to the Illinois-Indiana state line.
Bar Closed Until Further Notice
In the hours after Drysdale was found, The Line announced on Facebook that it would be closed until further notice, a post first highlighted by NBC Chicago. County officials have not released any information about a possible suspect or motive while detectives continue to process the scene and follow up on leads.
How To Help Investigators
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office at 815-802-7150 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 815-932-7463, according to the Daily Journal. Authorities say tips may be eligible for a cash reward.
Sheriff’s detectives are specifically asking anyone who may have video footage or other material connected to the incident to come forward, and officials say they will provide further updates as new information becomes available, per FOX 32 Chicago.
