Day two of jury selection got underway this morning in Kankakee County Court in the trial of Xandria Harris accused in the 2021 murder of Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and severe injury of her partner Officer Tyler Bailey. Harris faces three counts of first degree murder in the shooting death of Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and wounding of Officer Tyler Bailey.
An argument erupted this morning in Kankakee County Court during the second day of jury selection. Judge Kathy Bradshaw Elliott, Kankakee County States Attorney Jim Rowe, and Defense Attorney Cierra Norris got into a shouting match this morning over one of the nine jurors who was selected for the trial yesterday. Defense Attorney Norris argued that the one juror should be dismissed because of something new that was discovered about them. State’s Attorney Rowe said this should have been argued yesterday. Judge Elliott said she would go ahead and remove the juror tomorrow.
Judge Kathy Bradshaw Elliott said 9 jurors were seated yesterday and that she plans to have the rest of the 12 jurors and five alternates selected today. The rest of the jury will be chosen today. Defense Attorney for Harris, Cierra Norris says the trial prep meetings she’s been having with her client are potentially being watched. Judge Elliott says if the camera is on in the interview room that it’s a violation. A woman watching the jury selection today was also asked not to write down the names of jurors by Judge Elliott.
Opening statements in the trial begin at 10 tomorrow morning.
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