Woman takes stand in own defense for murder trial in shooting of Bradley police officers

KANKAKEE, Ill. (WLS) -- Xandria Harris took the stand in her own trial Wednesday, offering emotional testimony as defense attorneys sought to establish that years of alleged abuse by boyfriend Darius Sullivan affected her actions during the 2021 shooting that killed a Bradley police officer and seriously wounded another.

Harris testified about what she described as trauma and abuse as well as diagnosed depression and anxiety throughout her eight-year relationship with Sullivan, arguing that those experiences shaped her decisions on Dec. 29, 2021, when Bradley police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic was killed and Sgt. Tyler Bailey was seriously injured.

The officers had responded to the Comfort Inn after reports that dogs had been left in Harris' vehicle on a cold night. According to testimony, Sullivan had outstanding warrants at the time. Prosecutors say police spent about 13 minutes at the hotel room door while she remained inside with Sullivan and their children.

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Harris testified that Sullivan instructed her on what to tell officers and would not allow her to open the door. She also told jurors that Sullivan pointed a gun at her head while officers were outside the room.

Harris said she feared for her life and the lives of her children if she did not comply with Sullivan's demands.

After the approximately 13-minute interaction at the door, Sullivan opened fire on the officers as Harris opened the door, according to body cam footage. Harris told jurors she did not assist Sullivan as he struggled with Rittmanic for her weapon before fatally shooting her, despite accusations of such from prosecutors.

Harris described the fatal second shot to Rittmanic's neck as "completely shocking."

The defense presented records showing years of diagnoses for depression and anxiety. Harris testified that she concealed the alleged abuse from police, doctors and family members because she believed Sullivan would kill her if she disclosed it.

She also said the abuse influenced her decision-making after the shooting, when she and Sullivan traveled separately to Indiana, where Sullivan's mother lives. Harris later turned herself in after learning she was wanted by authorities in Illinois.

During cross-examination, prosecutors challenged Harris' claims that she was acting as a victim during the incident.

Prosecutors noted that officers outside the hotel room reportedly could hear a television and children inside but did not report hearing threats or a confrontation between Harris and Sullivan, despite Harris' testimony that Sullivan was directing her actions and statements.

Prosecutors also presented body camera footage that they argued showed opportunities for Harris to stop assisting Sullivan after the shooting. At one point, prosecutors said Harris can be seen holding the magazine for one of the weapons used in the shooting. They also argued that she left the scene carrying the magazine, ammunition and another firearm contained in a backpack.

In another portion of the footage, prosecutors said video appeared to show Sullivan handing a weapon to Harris. Harris disputed that characterization, testifying that she gave Sullivan her car keys so he could leave and reduce the danger to her children.

Prosecutors further questioned Harris about not calling 911 or seeking help after the officers were shot and argued that she did not show sufficient remorse for the officers.

They also presented body camera footage that they said appeared to show Harris closing the hotel room door on Bailey before directing Sullivan to a stairway he could use to leave the building.

A central part of the prosecution's argument focused on what happened after Sullivan had left the scene. Prosecutors contended that Harris independently decided to gather and leave with items they described as evidence, including a weapon magazine and ammunition, rather than collect toys and clothing belonging to her children that remained in the hotel room.

Harris' testimony continues as the trial moved toward its conclusion. Attorneys and the judge indicated the case could wrap up soon, with closing arguments expected Friday.