Overview
- The trial of Xandria Harris began on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, and moved quickly into the evidence phase with multiple state witnesses testifying.
- Prosecutors tell jurors Harris opened a hotel-room door to buy time for Darius Sullivan to load a weapon and aided a struggle that led to Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic’s death.
- The defense portrays Harris as a mother of four who was controlled by Sullivan and lacked the intent required for the same crimes he was convicted of committing.
- Courtroom proceedings will include hours of police bodycam footage and were marked early by the prosecution accusing the defense of violating a judge’s gag order.
- Sullivan was convicted in 2024 and is serving a life sentence, Officer Tyler Bailey survived but spent nearly a year in rehab, and Harris faces a trial that is expected to run into mid- to late-August.