Xandria Harris was found guilty in a murder trial for her role in a shooting that killed Bradley Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and wounded Tyler Bailey.

Her boyfriend, Darius Sullivan, was also convicted for carrying out the shooting.

Harris was visibly emotional and even trembling as she learned her fate. The jury of seven women and five men deliberating a little more than four hours.Harris sobbed after the guilty verdicts were read. The the 30-year-old mother of four was convicted of multiple felonies, including first-degree murder of a peace officer.Closing arguments were delayed Friday after a juror was dismissed. 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.

On August 16th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Matthew J. Blackburn, age 32, of Bourbonnais. According to police reports, Blackburn was being held at the Kankakee County Jail on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Blackburn was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 18th, 2026, Milford Police Department arrested Jerry J. England, age 41, of Watseka. According to police reports, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by England. Officers knew England to have an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of felon in possession of a weapon. England was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains awaiting extradition to Vermilion County.

 

On August 19th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Joseph C. Ruisard, age 46, of Goodland Indiana. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Ruisard for traffic violations. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed drug paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine. Ruisard was taken into custody and charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ruisard was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 19th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Joseph D. Hart, age 41, of Milford. According to police reports, deputies conducted an investigation on Hart. Hart was taken into custody and charged with failure to register at new address — sex offender registration. Hart was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains awaiting his next court date.

 

On August 20th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Brianne V. Safiran, age 36, of Ashkum. According to police reports, deputies responded to the report of an intoxicated female battering several individuals. A traffic stop was conducted on the reported suspect car, and Safiran was located as the driver. Safiran was taken into custody and charged with two counts of battery, endangering the life of a child, driving under the influence of alcohol, resisting a peace officer, two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer, and aggravated battery to a nurse. Safiran was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she remains awaiting her next court date.

On August 18th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Cody J. Hartlep, age 31, of Watseka. According to police reports, Hartlep was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with aggravated fleeing and eluding a peace officer. The arrest came after an investigation into a high-speed pursuit that occurred in the early evening hours of August 8th . Deputies observed Hartlep's vehicle, a 2024 Chevrolet Corvette, traveling northbound on St. Rt. 1 near 1250 N. at speeds in excess of 135 miles per hour. When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, Hartlep failed to comply, and a short pursuit ensued until deputies lost sight of the vehicle due to the high speeds. Hartlep was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On August 12, at 4:14 p.m., Watseka Police were issued to the 500 block of W Walnut Street for an intoxicated subject. According to police reports, Heather J. Brewer, 29 of Watseka, was arrested for possession of controlled substance and possession of drug equipment. Brewer was transported to the Iroquois Count Jail without incident.

 

On August 15, at 2:17 a.m., Watseka Police were dispatched to the 200 block of East Fairman Avenue for a disturbance. According to police reports, Terra R. Reed, 47 of Watseka, was arrested for criminal damage to state supported property. Reed was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On August 15, at 4:48 a.m., Watseka Police were dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street for a disturbance. According to police reports, Terra R. Reed, 47 of Watseka, was arrested for disorderly conduct. Reed was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On August 15 at 7:05 p.m., Watseka Police conducted a warrant check in the 1000 block of East Walnut Street. According to police reports, Billy J. Stevens, 46, of Watseka, was arrested for an outstanding Livingston County Warrant. Stevens was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On August 17, at 9:40 a.m., Watseka Police were dispatched to the 200 block of North Brianna Drive for a disturbance. According to police reports, Jonathan 0. Neiman, 32 of Watseka, was arrested for failure to register. Neiman was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On August 12th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jason T. Shields, age 50, of Goodwine. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Sheilds in rural Wellington for traffic violations. Shields was taken into custody and charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams and resisting or obstructing justice. Shields was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On August 13th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Joseph D. Hart, age 41, of Milford. According to police reports, Hart was charged with domestic battery and failing to register as a sex offender. Hart was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On August 13th , 2026, Milford Police arrested Dennis E. Baker, age 45, of Milford. According to police reports, Baker was wanted on a Vermillion County warrant, charging him with failing to appear on the original charge of possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Baker was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released to Vermillion County.

 

On August 14th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Chad M. Martell, age 51, of Sheldon. According to police reports, Martell was taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct-making a false report to police. Martell was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On August 15th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jimmy L. McCarty, age 56, of Pembroke Township. According to police reports, McCarty was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with failing to appear on the original charge of domestic battery. McCarty was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains awaiting his next court date.

When: Thursday, September 17 2026 | 1:30 – 2:30 PM

Where: parking lot across from post office (West Ave.), Milford

Iroquois County, IL – Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) is distributing food to local families facing food insecurity. The Foodmobile will visit Iroquois County on 09/17/2026 to provide free groceries. For a full schedule, Foodmobile FAQ, and more, visit https://www.eifoodbank.org/help/mobile.html.

The distribution is part of the Foodbank’s Foodmobile Program, a system of mobile food pantries designed to help bring nutritious food to rural or underserved areas. Updates regarding future food distributions can be found at the Foodbank’s website at www.eifoodbank.org.

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Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) works to alleviate hunger in eastern Illinois as the primary food source to a network of 200 food pantries, agencies, and other programs throughout our 21-county service area. Through these agencies, the Foodbank provides meals to more than 1.5 million people each year. Since 1983, EIF has led the fight against hunger and strengthened communities by providing food access, emergency relief, education, and advocacy to families in east-central Illinois. EIF is a member of Feeding America, Feeding Illinois, the United Way of Coles County, and the United Way of Champaign County. For more information, visit eifoodbank.org.

On August 6th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Joseph R. Burke, age 20, of Onarga. According to police reports, Burke was charged with criminal damage to property over $500 and battery. Burke was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 6th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Nashan M. Handy, age 36, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Handy was wanted on an outstanding warrant charging him with violation of an order of protection. Handy was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 6th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Lester S. Paulsen, age 44, of Griffith IN. According to police reports, Paulsen was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Paulsen was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 9th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Kimberly L. Gonzalez, age 47, of Hoopeston. According to police reports, Gonzalez was charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Gonzalez was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 11th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Elizabeth N. Daniels, age 63, of Milford. According to police reports, Daniels was charged with domestic battery. Daniels was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was remains.

On August 4, at 8:03 p.m., Watseka Police were dispatched to the 500 block of E Oak Street for a battery. According to reports, Taylor I. Michael, 29 of Watseka, was arrested and charged with battery and failure to register as sex offender. Taylor was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

 

On August 8, at 1:48 a.m., Watseka Police conducted a warrant check in the 300 block of E Elm Street. According to reports, Gloria S. Novak, 33 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Novak was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On August 1 st' 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Felipe Aranda, age 40, of Gilman. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Aranda in rural Buckley for traffic violations. Deputies discovered Aranda was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him for driving while license suspended. Aranda was taken into custody and was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On August 3rd, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Julian Munoz, age 29, of Onarga. According to police reports, Munoz was wanted on a Livingston County warrant, charging him with contempt of court. Munoz was taken into custody and was additionally charged with resisting arrest. Munoz was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was released on a NTA and was released to Livingston County.

 

On August 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Joseph D. Hart, age 41, of Hoopeston. According to police reports, Hart was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with several violations of sex offender registration. Hart was taken into custody and was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains, awaiting his next court date.

 

On August 4th, 20269, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Richard T. Lindzy, age 36, of Thawville. According to police reports, Lindzy was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with violation of an order of protection. Lindzy was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains, awaiting his next court date.

 

On August 4th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Brenda J. Swierenga, age 59, of Woodland. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Swierenga in rural Woodland. Swierenga was taken into custody and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams, and driving while license revoked. Swierenga was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released on a notice to appear.

Iroquois County Clerk Breein B. Suver is informing voters that they may apply to be placed on permanent vote by mail status. This allows those voters who are interested to receive their ballots by mail in all or most elections, depending on the individual’s preference. Pursuant to 10 ILCS 5/19-2.5, permanent vote by mail enrollment applications are required to be mailed to each registered voter in Iroquois County who has not signed up or opted out of permanent vote by mail status. The applications were mailed on August 5, 2026. By completing and mailing in the enrollment application for the permanent vote by mail program, you will automatically receive a ballot by mail for ALL elections you designate. This is NOT a request to vote by mail in only ONE election. Enrollment in this program will remain in effect until you provide notification, in writing, to cancel registration in the program or if your voter registration becomes inactive for any reason. To enroll, you must be a registered voter in Iroquois County, Illinois. You must complete and mail in the permanent vote by mail enrollment application form to the County Clerk’s office. Upon receipt of your signed enrollment application form, you will automatically receive ballots in the elections you specified on the form. Please note, by signing up for permanent vote by mail you will not be required to sign a separate application before your ballot is mailed. If you do not receive your permanent vote by mail enrollment application in the mail and you would like one sent to you, please contact the Iroquois County Clerk’s office at: (815) 432-6960. Additionally, an on line application can be accessed at: iroquoiscountyil.gov/elections. You are not required to sign up for this program. You can still vote at your polling place on election day, vote early in the County Clerk’s office, or vote by mail as allowed in the past. There is also an opt out option on the application which will allow a voter to opt out of the permanent vote by mail status and will also allow the voter to be removed from receiving any future permanent vote by mail notices that are required to be sent by Illinois Statute. Ballots will be mailed to applicants beginning on or about September 24th, which is also the first day of early voting. The deadline for applying for a mail ballot is 4:30 p.m. on October 29th. After October 29th, voters can still receive a mail ballot by applying in person at the Iroquois County Clerk’s office, 1001 E. Grant, Watseka, IL. Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3rd to be accepted, and properly postmarked ballots will be accepted through November 17th. If you have any questions feel free to contact the County Clerk’s office at: (815) 432-6960, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

On July 20, at 1:30 a.m., the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to the 200 block of E Fairman Avenue for a disturbance. According to reports, Terra R. Reed, 47 of Watseka, was arrested for criminal trespass to property. Reed was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On July 22, at 8:51 p.m., the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to the 200 block of E Fairman Avenue for a disturbance. According to reports, Terra R. Reed, 47 of Watseka, was arrested for disorderly conduct (misuse 911) and resisting arrest. Reed was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On July 23, at 9:22 p.m., the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to the 500 block of W Walnut Street in reference to an intoxicated subject. According to reports, Jake E. Baumgartner, 34 of Watseka, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Baumgartner was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On July 27th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Christopher T. Muffitt, age 33, of Paxton. According to police reports, Muffitt was being held at the Ford County Jail on a Iroquois County warrant, charging him with theft. Muffitt was also wanted on a Champaign County warrant. Muffitt was taken into custody and was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released to Champaign County.

 

On July 29th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Zane D. Lazarovs age 27, of Watseka. According to police reports, deputies located Lazarov, who was wanted on a Livingston County warrant, charging him with failing to appear of the charge of battery. Lazarov was taken into custody and was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released to Livingston County.

 

On July 30th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Daniel L. Kendall, age 41, of Sheldon. According to police reports, deputies were called to an address in Sheldon in reference to a battery. Deputies located Kendall and took him into custody, where he was charged with battery. Kendall was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On July 31st, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Julius L. Ivy, age 37, of Richton Park, IL. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to an address in Sheldon in reference to a domestic battery. Deputies located Ivy and took him into custody, where he was charged with domestic battery. Ivy was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains, awaiting his next court date.