Kankakee, IL – Darius Sullivan was found guilty Thursday of first-degree murder in the 2021 killing of Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic. The jury took just over an hour to reach the verdict, which also included attempted first-degree murder and child endangerment charges.
According to the prosecution, Sullivan shot Rittmanic on December 29, 2021, while responding to a complaint at a Comfort Inn in Bradley. Sullivan also critically wounded Officer Tyler Bailey, who testified during the trial.
Authorities said Sullivan’s three children were present in the hotel room at the time of the shooting. His girlfriend, Xandria Harris, faces related charges and will be tried separately.
Sullivan’s sentencing is expected later this year. The verdict brings some closure to the law enforcement community, though local police leaders expressed continued sorrow for Sgt. Rittmanic’s family.
