KANKAKEE, Ill. (WLS) — In a significant development, Xandria Harris has been found guilty in a high-profile murder case involving the fatal shooting of Bradley Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and the injury of Tyler Bailey.
Her partner, Darius Sullivan, who was determined to be the gunman, also faced conviction in connection with the case.
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The courtroom was tense as Harris, clearly agitated and on edge, received the verdict. Jurors, consisting of seven women and five men, took over four hours before reaching their decision.
Upon hearing the jury declare her guilty, the 30-year-old mother of four broke into tears. She was convicted on several serious charges, including first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer.
The final arguments, scheduled for Friday, faced a delay due to the unexpected dismissal of one juror.
Harris sat through four hours of closing arguments visibly emotional and shaking at times as attorneys delivered their final arguments in a case that has drawn packed courtrooms throughout the trial. Families from both sides attended the proceedings as the case moved into the hands of the jury.
Defense attorneys argued that Harris was “cornered, conditioned, and controlled,” pointing to what they described as years of childhood abuse by her father and domestic violence during her eight-year relationship with Darius Sullivan. Lead defense attorney Cierra Norris also said the response from officers in that incident put Harris in an impossible situation, leaving her stuck in between police and her boyfriend at the time.
The defense contended that Harris’ fear for her own safety, along with Sullivan’s instructions, prevented her from complying with police at the Comfort Inn hotel on Dec. 29, 2021. Sullivan was convicted and sentenced for shooting two Bradley police officers, killing Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and seriously injuring Officer Tyler Bailey. The encounter began after officers responded to a report of dogs left inside a vehicle.
Body camera video shown during the trial captured approximately 13 minutes of officers knocking on the door of the hotel room occupied by Harris, Sullivan and their children.
Prosecutors argued that Harris intentionally bought time for Sullivan, who had outstanding warrants for his arrest, allowing him to load a firearm before shooting the officers as Harris opened the door.
The defense challenged that account, citing a statement they say was heard on Sgt. Rittmanic’s body camera recording.
Defense attorneys referenced the quote: “I can hear him talking to her in the background telling her what to say.”
Harris testified this week that Sullivan pointed a gun at her head when the police came to their room.
Prosecutors pointed to body camera footage showing the moments after the initial gunfire, when a struggle occurred between Rittmanic and Sullivan. Prosecutors said Sullivan attempted to take the officer’s weapon after his own firearm jammed.
According to prosecutors, Harris helped Sullivan obtain that second weapon, which they said was then used to fire a second fatal shot into Rittmanic’s neck.
After Sullivan fled to Indiana, prosecutors accused Harris of taking weapons and magazines rather than her children’s clothes and toys before meeting Sullivan at his mother’s home in Indiana.
Harris now faces life in prison. She’s due back in court next month for a status hearing.
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