SE Illinois News

State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) is pushing for the return of the death penalty in Illinois as a way of ending what he sees as a growing attack on law enforcement across the state.

“Law enforcement is under attack and I think we all know that and it’s because here in Illinois Springfield has failed them," Bailey said at a recent news conference. “We need leaders in Springfield who are willing to stand up and fight for them against a radical agenda that seems to prioritize criminals over cops and puts law enforcement communities and families at risk.”

Senate Bill 3899 would reinstate the death penalty for anyone who commits first-degree murder against an officer.

“This legislation comes after a long line of law enforcement officers were murdered or critically wounded in the line of duty,” Bailey said. “Some by repeat violent offenders who are set free by woke prosecutors and judges who refuse to demand law and order and keep our communities safe. The men and women who put that uniform on are heroes and their service to our communities must be recognized and they must be respected in the state of Illinois.”

Now seeking the Republican nomination for governor, Bailey points to the recent execution-style killing of Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic in the line of duty as an example of just how out-of-control things have grown.

A 21-year law enforcement veteran, Rittmanic was gunned down while already down and begging for her life. Two people have been charged in connection with the shooting, which also critically injured a second officer. The Kankakee County State’s Attorney has requested that federal prosecutors pursue the death penalty for both.

Even closer to home, Bailey is mentioned the recent slaying of Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Riley, who was shot and killed while answering a call to help a stranded motorist.

“The bill that I filed last week is for every police officer who has ever carried the weight of the badge,” Bailey said. “The men and the women who put their lives on the line to serve and protect our communities.”

Bailey said the state has lost 25 officers in the line of duty over the last three years, including six over the last eight months, five of them to gunfire.  

“Far too often our criminal justice system is seen as a laughing stock to these offenders, especially here in Illinois,” he said. “We want to make it very clear that these actions will truly have consequences and that our law enforcement will not be abandoned. I want every member of our law enforcement community to know we are standing with you and help is on the way.”

Rittmanic is being remembered as being all heart, taking part in a Shop with a Cop event just weeks before her death where she volunteered her time to help provide Christmas gifts to children in need. In 2020, she was honored as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and just after Christmas, Kankakee County Humane Foundation director Jordan Chapman said her organization received “a substantial donation for the care of our residents” from the officer and her wife.

“We’re beyond thankful for her and her wife’s donation and I could never thank either of them enough for believing in the work that we do,” Chapman said.

The Wayne County state’s attorney has charged 40-year-old Ray Tate, of Kentucky, with first-degree murder in the Riley shooting. Tate was captured in Clinton County later that day after a hostage situation.

Filed on Jan. 21, Bailey’s bill has gained the support of fellow state Sen. Neil Anderson, who has signed on a co-sponsor. The measure has now been referred to the Senate Assignments Committee.