New York City, New York – A 34-year-old man from Woodside, NYC, appeared in court on Tuesday to face murder and attempted murder charges in connection with the shooting death of NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller. Guy Rivera, along with co-defendant Lindy Jones, was indicted on first- and second-degree murder charges for the fatal shooting of Diller during a traffic stop in Queens. District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the charges, including additional weapon charges against Rivera and Jones.
Rivera pleaded not guilty as Diller’s family looked on in the courtroom. If convicted, Rivera faces the possibility of life in prison without parole. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 22. Meanwhile, Jones, co-defendant in the case, faces up to 30 years in prison for weapon charges and is set to appear in court on June 12.
The incident unfolded on March 25 when officers approached Rivera and Jones after allegedly seeing Rivera carrying what appeared to be a gun. A struggle ensued as officers tried to question Rivera, resulting in the fatal shooting of Diller. Despite attempts to harm Sgt. Sasha Rosen, the gun jammed after initially hitting Diller. The tragic event marked the first killing of an NYPD officer in two years.
Following the incident, a search of the vehicle yielded a loaded 9 mm pistol with a defaced serial number, further implicating Rivera and Jones in illegal activities. District Attorney Katz emphasized the importance of seeking justice for Detective Diller and holding those responsible for the heinous crime accountable. Diller, a decorated officer with four NYPD recognitions in his three years of service, leaves behind a wife and young son.
The community mourns the loss of Detective Diller, who made the ultimate sacrifice while working to rid the streets of illegal weapons. As the investigation continues, details have surfaced about the events leading up to the tragic confrontation, shedding light on the dangerous realities faced by law enforcement officers every day. The grand jury’s decision to bring forth serious charges against the defendants underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment to seeking justice for Detective Diller and his loved ones.