Prosecutors Ask Feds to Seek Death Penalty in Ill. Officer's Murder

Prosecutors are petitioning federal authorities to pursue the death penalty against two suspects accused of fatally shooting an Illinois police officer and critically wounding another last week.

Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe formally requested federal prosecutors to review the first-degree murder cases stemming from a shooting Wednesday involving two Bradley police officers, WBBM-TV reports. Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic, 49, was shot and killed during the incident, and Officer Tyler Bailey, 27, was seriously injured.

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On Friday, police arrested Darius Sullivan, 25, in Manchester, Indiana, and Xandria Harris, 26, turned herself in. According to prosecutors, Sullivan allegedly killed Rittamnic with her own weapon.

Illinois does not have the death penalty, but the U.S. Attorney General can step in "to authorize the filing of a petition to seek the death penalty in a federal murder case," prosecutors said. The U.S. Attorney's Office has pursued the death penalty for law enforcement officers in the past, including cases in states without the death penalty.

Sullivan and Harris are both charged with first-degree murder of a police officer, attempted first-degree murder of a police officer and other counts. Prosecutors will pursue life sentences on the state charges for both suspects.

Sullivan's mother and brother also were arrested and charged. They are accused of obstructing police and trying to help Sullivan escape capture.