Darrius Sullivan, convicted in Kankakee County shooting of Bradley cops Marlene Rittmanic, Tyler Bailey gets life sentence

KANKAKEE, Ill. (WLS) — The man who shot and killed a Bradley police sergeant in 2021 was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday.

Darius Sullivan was convicted on all counts last September in the murder of Marlene Rittmanic, 49.

A Kankakee County judge read the verdict Thursday for the suspect in a Bradley police officer’s murder.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Sullivan was found guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder and endangering the life of a child.

His girlfriend is also charged, and is awaiting trial.

The judge in the case Tuesday denied defense attorneys’ motions for a new trial, and victim impact statements began before sentencing.

Rittmanic’s wife read an emotional statement.

The judge sentenced Sullivan to life in prison for Rittmanic’s death and injuring her partner.

Sullivan received a sentence of 364 days in county jail for the child endangerment charges.

Rittmanic’s partner, Tyler Bailey, was critically injured in the shooting that happened in December of 2021.

Bailey testified from his wheelchair during the trial.

1

Bradley police spoke after a guilty verdict was announced for the suspect in the murder of one of their officers.

Sullivan’s defense attorney told jurors Sullivan was defending his family that night, thinking someone was breaking into his hotel room.

Sullivan’s three children, ages 2 months to 8 years old, and his girlfriend, Xandria Harris, were also in the room.

Sullivan’s attorney argued there were holes in the state’s case and evidence that was missed connecting Sullivan to the crimes.

On Dec. 29, 2021 Rittmanic and Bailey responded to a call of dogs barking in a car on a cold night outside a Bradley hotel.

Once at the scene, they believed Sullivan was a guest at the hotel, and was wanted on warrants.

Rittmanic was shot in the shoulder and twice in the neck. The last two shots were fired from her duty weapon. She died of her injuries.

Bailey was shot in the forehead, and is left with permanent disabilities, ending his career as a police officer.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Prince Harry sought advice from Princess Diana's brother asking if he should change family name to Spencer

“Prince Harry Consults Princess Diana’s Brother About Changing Family Name to Spencer”

Prince Harry sought advice from Princess Diana’s brother about changing his family…
Chart-topping singer looks unrecognisable in childhood throwback... can you guess who it is?

Famous singer looks completely different in old childhood photo… Can you guess who it is?

A singer looked unrecognisable as she shared a throwback photo from her…
Chart-topping rock band sparks major backlash after waving Palestinian flag on stage

Popular rock band faces strong criticism for displaying Palestinian flag during performance

Imagine Dragons is facing major backlash after frontman Dan Reynolds triumphantly waved…
Aydan Nix's subtle fashion tribute to sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid at her college graduation

Aydan Nix Pays Fashion Homage to Gigi and Bella Hadid at Her Graduation from College

Ayden Nix has been integrating into the life of her long-lost sisters…
Sydney Sweeney FINALLY addresses Jonathan Davino split weeks after break-up rumors

Sydney Sweeney speaks out about her split from Jonathan Davino after weeks of breakup speculation

Sydney Sweeney kept her answers short and sweet when asked about the…
Bridge explosions in Russia near Ukraine border escalate tensions ahead of peace talks

Explosions on bridge near Russia-Ukraine border raise tensions before peace talks

Responsibility for the explosion was not claimed or attributed by the agency,…
Lady Gaga fans go WILD as A-list star joins her on stage

Lady Gaga Fans Excited as Famous Star Joins Her on Stage

Fans were left amazed on Saturday night when Lady Gaga unexpectedly performed…

“Let It Be Us in Barrington, Illinois is facilitating foster care adoptions and supporting families throughout Chicago”

chicago (WLS) — According to the Illinois Department of Children and Family…
Judge's blistering attack on woman who can't stop drink-driving after she kills AGAIN in SECOND fatal crash

Judge criticizes woman for continuing to drive under the influence after causing a second deadly accident

In a Florida courtroom, a judge strongly condemned a repeat drunk driver…
The celeb haunt that hides a horrifying secret... and the ghost of a little boy lingers

Famous hangout conceals a terrifying mystery… with the haunting presence of a young boy lingering

Today, as you walk along Prince Street in SoHo, there are few…
Israel Defense Forces: 'We Eliminated the Head of Hamas, Again'

Israel’s Military: ‘We Have Eliminated Hamas Leader, Again’

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have effectively shortened the career prospects of…
Is There a New Episode of ‘The Last of Us’ on Tonight? TLOU Season 3 Premiere Date and More

When is the Next Episode of ‘The Last of Us’ Season 3? Release Date and Updates

Last week’s episode of The Last of Us Season 2 ended with…