The defense in the Xandria Harris murder trial continues to present its case in Kankakee County Court. Harris is accused of helping Darius Sullivan in the December 2021 shooting death of Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and severe wounding of Officer Tyler Bailey.
Tuesday morning, the defense called their eighth witness—a Riverside psychiatrist who treated Harris months prior to the shooting. The doctor testified that Harris disclosed an on-and-off abusive relationship lasting eight years, had moved into her mother’s house, and had several emergency room visits. The psychiatrist diagnosed Harris with major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, recommending she seek domestic violence support at Harbor House.
Then Tuesday afternoon, a substance abuse therapist from Jerome Combs Detention Center testified that Harris showed symptoms of Battered Woman Syndrome and was afraid to testify against Sullivan, even in jail. On cross-examination, State’s Attorney Jim Rowe asked if Harris may have been manipulating him or if he had administered a mood test. On redirect by defense attorney Cierra Norris, the therapist maintained he still stood by his assessment.
The defense has called at least ten witnesses to the stand so far this week. The trial is supposed to end by Friday.
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