NYPD Det. Diller’s Killer Convicted of Manslaughter

By Katie McFadden

On Wednesday, April 1, a shocking verdict came in the case over the killing of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, who was shot on duty in Far Rockaway on March 25, 2024. A jury acquitted shooter Guy Rivera of murder, but found him guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, among other charges.

According to a press release on the investigation, on March 25, 2024, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Detective Diller was on patrol in Far Rockaway with the NYPD’s Queens South Community Response Team (CRT). CRT Sergeant Sasha Rosen noticed a gun-shaped bulge in the front pocket of Rivera’s sweatshirt as he exited a store on Mott Avenue with a second individual, Lindy Jones. Rivera entered the passenger seat of a 2016 Kia Soul parked in front of 19-19 Mott Avenue and Jones entered the driver seat.

Detective Diller and the other members of the CRT team approached the vehicle. Diller issued numerous commands to Rivera to roll down his window and step out of the vehicle, which Rivera ignored.

The driver, Lindy Jones, also refused an order to unlock the vehicle at which point CRT Officer Delio Fernandez reached into the car and unlocked it from the driver side control panel. Detective Diller then opened the passenger side door and instructed Rivera to exit the vehicle.

Instead of stepping from the vehicle, Rivera reached into his pocket with his right hand, ignoring commands by CRT Officer Veckash Khedna not to put his hands in his pockets. Rivera then quickly drew a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol from his pocket and fired at Detective Diller, striking him in the abdomen below his bullet proof vest. After shooting Detective Diller, Rivera pointed his gun directly at Sergeant Rosen’s chest and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed. Detective Diller wrestled the gun away from the defendant’s hand and then collapsed on the street from his injuries.

Detective Diller was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he underwent multiple blood transfusions and emergency surgery, but succumbed to his wounds several hours later. The bullet from Rivera’s gun severed Diller’s iliac artery, which caused internal bleeding.

During the incident, Officer Khedna fired two shots, striking Rivera in the left arm pit and right humorous in response to the defendant’s use of lethal force. Rivera was arrested on the scene and transported to Jamaica Hospital where he received treatment for his injuries.

On March 26, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation, members of the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the 101st Precinct obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the vehicle. The execution of the warrant led to the discovery of a loaded 9 mm pistol inside the glove compartment. The firearm was found to be defaced, with the serial number scratched off. Rivera’s fingerprints and DNA were found on the gun. Jones, 43, of Edgemere was arraigned April 16, 2024, on an indictment charging him with criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees. He was remanded into custody and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Jones is due back in court April 7.

After more than three weeks in court over Rivera’s charges, a jury came to a verdict after deliberating for eight hours. One juror did not agree with the top charge of murder in the first degree, so the jury returned to deliberations. Ultimately, Rivera was acquitted of murder in the first degree. He was convicted of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree for fatally shooting NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, first-degree attempted murder for attempting to shoot an NYPD sergeant at the scene and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise set sentencing for April 27, when Rivera faces up to 90 years to life in prison.

When Diller was killed, he left behind a wife, Stephanie, who was in court for the trial, and a then one year old son, Ryan. The 31-year-old Massapequa Park resident was buried at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale on March 30, 2024.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “The last words Detective Jonathan Diller told his wife were ‘I love you.’ Detective Diller was a father, a husband and a son. He was also a dedicated member of the New York City Police Department who put on a uniform every day to protect our city. On March 25, 2024, Guy Rivera chose to ignore these facts, chose to ignore multiple lawful commands and chose to shoot Detective Diller. After shooting Detective Diller, he tried to shoot in the chest Sergeant Sasha Rosen. This crime stole the life of a dutiful officer and a family man and endangered the life of a devoted NYPD sergeant. I thank the members of my Homicide Bureau for prosecuting this case. We continue to stand in solidarity with Detective Diller’s loved ones, Sergeant Sasha Rosen and all the brave men and women who protect our city.”

Many were disappointed that Rivera was not found guilty of the top charge of murder in the first degree. Councilwoman Joann Ariola said, “Officer Jonathan Diller was nothing short of a hero. His loss was a grave injustice to our city, and today’s verdict is a second injustice done not just to the Dillers, but to all New Yorkers. This decision reminds us once again that the criminal justice system here favors criminals over cops and allows violent murderers to avoid justice. The Diller family is in my prayers. God Bless the Dillers, and God Bless the NYPD.”

Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-­Powers, who oversees the area where the shooting took place said, “Detective Diller dedicated his life to protecting others, and this verdict does not change the pain his loved ones, fellow officers, and Far Rockaway continue to carry. We honor his memory by committing ourselves to justice and to keeping every New Yorker safe.”

The NYC Police Benevolent Association said, “A devastating day for our brother Jonathan Diller’s family and all NYC police officers. While his killer’s conviction on aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder and weapons charges – with a possible sentence of 90 years to life – delivers some justice, it can’t provide his family with full closure. No matter what the verdict reads, we will not stop telling Jonathan’s story, and we will not stop fighting for justice in his name.”

NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, “While I am deeply disappointed that Jonathan’s killer was not convicted of the top murder charge, I am grateful that he has been convicted on all other counts. My hope is that the ultimate sentence in this case will reflect the gravity of his actions, and the profound loss he caused for Stephanie, Ryan, the Diller family, the NYPD, and the entire City of New York.”