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The trial of Darius Sullivan, who is accused of fatally shooting Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic, begins on Monday

KANKAKEE, Ill. (WLS) – The trial of the man accused of firing the shots that killed Bradley police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic began Monday at the Kankakee County Courthouse.

In December 2021, Rittmanic, 49, and then-police officer Tyler Bailey were shot after approaching a man who had an arrest warrant out for him.

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They had driven to a Comfort Inn on Route 50 that evening after a complaint about dogs barking in a car.

Prosecutors allege that Darius Sullivan shot at police officers when they confronted him at the door of his hotel room.

Bailey was seriously injured but survived. Rittmanic was honored by officers and civilians at her funeral and buried in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

Sullivan and Xandria Harris are charged with murder and attempted murder.

The couple is said to have been in the hotel room with two of their three children. Sullivan is also accused of endangering the lives of children.

Harris will face a separate trial.

Jury selection in Sullivan's trial began Monday, with opening statements expected Wednesday.

Before the potential jurors were brought in on Monday, Sullivan became enraged.

His lawyer said he was upset that his underage son could be called as a witness. Prosecutors confirmed that the child is among dozens of potential witnesses in the trial, which is expected to last two weeks.

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