Testimony continues today in murder trial

Today is the first full day of testimpony in the murder trial of 30-year-old Xandria Harris. After four days of jury selection, opening statements were scheduled to begin at 1:30 Friday afternoon. There were fireworks in the courtroom before opening statements even got started when Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe asked that Judge Kathy Bradshaw Elliott ask defense attorney Cierra Norris and her staff is any of them had broken the gag order put in place by the Judge. Rowe told the judge he had proof the gag order had been broken. Norris refused to answer saying she wasn’t going to be questioned about something that could put her in jail without having her lawyer present. Norris’ response brought cheers and applause from some of the people in the gallery for the trial. Judge Elliot had those people removed from the courtroom saying it was a trial and not a sporting event. Rowe showed Judge Elliott one of the six videos he said he has of the gag order violation. The Judge then reminded both sides of the gag order and continued with opening statements in the case.  Once opening statements got underway, Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe told the jury Harris knowingly aided and abetted Sullivan when he shot the pair, and said in the State of Illinois, when you aid and abet a crime you are guilty of that crime. During her opening statement, defense attorney Cierra Norris said Harris was being controlled by Sullivan and continually talked about Harris’ intent. Once opening statements concluded, evidence began to be presented in the case. Harris is accused of helping her then boyfriend Darrius Sullivan the night he shot and killed Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and wounded Officer Tyler Bailey. The trial is expected to run until August 21st.