The trial got off to a tense start when prosecutors accused the defense of potentially violating a gag order by discussing the case with others.
The judge quickly reminded everyone in the courtroom about the gag order and warned that any violations could result in a mistrial. The judge said a new trial would not be possible until 2027.
In opening statements, prosecutors outlined their theory of the case and said jurors would see body camera footage related to Harris' actions during the Dec. 29, 2021, shooting.
According to prosecutors, the incident began after a hotel clerk at a Comfort Inn called police to report dogs left inside a vehicle in freezing temperatures.
Prosecutors said Sgt. Rittmanic and Sgt. Bailey responded to a hotel room occupied by Harris and Darius Sullivan. They said the officers knocked at least six times over 13 minutes and asked Harris to open the door.
The prosecution alleges Harris delayed opening the door to allow Sullivan time to load an automatic weapon, which was then used to immediately fire at the officers once the door was opened.
Prosecutors further allege that after the shooting began, Harris focused on helping Sullivan escape rather than protecting her three children who were in the room or assisting the wounded officers. They also allege Harris helped Sullivan struggle with Rittmanic for the officer's weapon, which prosecutors say was later used to shoot Rittmanic twice more, causing her death.
Defense attorneys disputed those allegations and sought to portray Harris as a mother of four who was "controlled and conditioned" by Sullivan during what they described as an abusive relationship.
The defense argued that Harris should not face the same charges as Sullivan and said it intends to show there was no intent behind her actions, or lack of action, during the shooting.
Harris' mother, Gloria Harris-Boyd, spoke about the impact of the case on Harris' children.
"They miss they mom. And it's very hard because she's trying to do the best she can over the phone to like make sure they do their homework, calling them. It's very hard because she has , she has not had no physical contact with them," Harris-Boyd said.
Attorneys for the state had called at least three witnesses by Tuesday as the trial moved into the evidence phase.
Sullivan has already been convicted and is serving a mandatory life sentence for the death of Rittmanic, as well as an additional 80-year sentence for the attempted murder of Bailey.
Harris is facing the same charges. Court officials said they hope to conclude the trial within two weeks, by Aug. 21.