Brutal Slayings Of Momence Burger King Employees Still Unsolved, State Police Ask For Public's Help

MOMENCE, IL — Illinois State Police are asking for the public's help in solving the brutal 2007 slayings of two employees at a Burger King restaurant in Momence.

On Jan. 13, 2007, at 5 a.m., Paul "P.J." Jones and Pam Branka were attacked and killed while they were preparing to open the restaurant, according to an old reward poster issued by Momence Police.

The Momence Police Department responded early that morning, when dispatch received a call from a restaurant located inside a Circle K at 3 Gladius Street. One the call, a woman could be heard screaming but couldn’t talk to dispatch, Illinois State Police said.

Both Branka, 46, and Jones, 50, were found inside the restaurant — Branka dead, and Jones in critical condition. Both had been stabbed multiple times.

Jones died before paramedics arrived, and before being able to speak to police, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The murders shook the small town — though it had its own, more run-of-the-mill crimes like burglaries, drugs and assaults, its then-Police Chief Steven Cromwell told the Tribune.

"I've been in this department 32 years, and I never wanted something like this to happen on my watch," said Cromwell, to ABC7. "It's a killer to see your community go from trust to fear."

ISP Troop 5 on Monday issued a fresh call to action in the case.

"September is recognized as National Cold Case Month, and the Illinois State Police is committed to bringing justice and resolution for victims and families impacted by violent crimes," the social media post reads. "The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 requests the public’s assistance with the death investigation of Pam Branka and Paul Jones."

It was the first homicide in the tiny hamlet in more than 50 years.

Robbery gone wrong?

Police in 2007 said they believed the slayings had happened in a robbery gone awry. It appeared Jones and Branka had barely made it in the back door before they were attacked. There were no suspects, no murder weapon, no witness. The restaurant had no cameras—no glimpses into what happened that morning.

The safe was reportedly unopened, and nothing had been stolen. Police don't know if there was one assailant, or more.

Jones, of Donovan, was the store's new manager. Branka, of Momence, had worked there for 15 years. The two were responsible for opening the restaurant each morning. Police initially interviewed employees and former employees of the restaurant for any information on the slayings, to no avail.

There were "some really hot leads" in the first 48 hours, but ultimately, police "cleared a lot of people," Cromwell told the Tribune years ago.

Momence police asked for help from Illinois State Police, along with the city of Kankakee and the Kankakee County state's attorney's office.

Cromwell once said he believed "somebody, somewhere" would say or do something that helps them solve the case—a tip that might allude to evidence or information police hadn't released.

Illinois State Police in 2025 are hoping he was right back then, as are many who knew the two victims.

"Pam was the sweetest and kindest soul," one woman commented on the state's police post. "I worked with her for years at this Burger King. It saddens me that someone has gotten away with this crime for so long. I hope they find who did this so both families can finally get the justice they deserve."

"PJ was a great friend," shared another. "I’m friends with his wife to this day. I’m his son’s Godmother! If you have any information please come forward."

"That was a sad day in Momence," another said. "I worked at the Shell gas station and knew them both well. I hope they find this person that did this."

Anyone with information that may be related to the investigation is asked to visit the Illinois State Police Investigative Tips website at https://isptips.illinois.gov/ or email tips to ISP.CRIMETIPS@illinois.gov.

Any information leading to the arrest of a suspect may be eligible to receive a cash reward.