Man convicted of killing Bradley police sergeant in 2021

KANKAKEE, Ill. — Jurors on Thursday deliberated for a little more than one hour Thursday before issuing a guilty verdict against a man accused of killing a Bradley police sergeant and critically wounding her partner four days after Christmas in 2021.

Darius Sullivan was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic, guilty of attempted first-degree murder for shooting Officer Tyler Bailey, and guilty of three counts of endangering the life of a child.

“Marlene was an example to be set by. She was the one whom everyone measured their character,” said Michael McTighe, a spokesman for the Rittmanic and Bailey families.

The courtroom was packed as the verdict was read, with several police officers waiting outside. Colleagues and loved ones later embraced.

Sullivan was accused of killing the 21-year police veteran on December 29, 2021 as she and Bailey responded to a Comfort Inn hotel on Highway 50 about a complaint about a barking dogs inside a vehicle in the parking lot. Prosecutors said Rittmanic and Bailey approached room 308 to issue a citation but also to arrest Sullivan for outstanding warrants.

Prosecutors said Sullivan shot Bailey in the head before chasing Rittmanic down the hallway when she tried to take cover. Sullivan shot Rittmanic first in the shoulder and later in the neck after a struggle over her service weapon.

Sullivan’s three children were in the hotel room when the officers were shot.

“It’s hard not to feel anything but sadness because of this senseless act of violence that we experienced,” Bradley police Chief Don Barber said outside the courthouse. “An officer killed, murdered in the line of duty, and another officer left with life-altering injuries. These officers put their life on the line for this community. It’s a victory to us, and to the family, however it is hard at this point to feel justice. Because justice would be Marlene would still be here, with her family, serving her community.”

Prosecuting the case with State’s Attorney Jim Rowe were First Assistant State’s Attorney Carol Costello and Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel Reedy. Kankakee County Chief Public Defender Ed Pentuic and Kankakee Assistant Public Defender Jena Jones defended Sullivan.

Sullivan will return to court in November for the setting of a sentencing date. His girlfriend, Xandria Harris, also faces charges in connection with the shootings. She will be tried separately.

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