QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the indictment of Guy Rivera and Lindy Jones for their roles in the shooting death of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller in Far Rockaway. Rivera faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder, while both defendants are charged with criminal possession of a weapon.
Detective Diller was posthumously promoted to First Grade following his death last week. The indictment comes as a response to the tragic event that DA Katz described as a severe blow to the city’s security and a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers.
Rivera, 34, of Woodside, and Jones, 41, of Edgemere, could face life in prison and up to 15 years in prison, respectively, if convicted. The case highlights a disturbing incident where the defendants allegedly ignored police commands, leading to Detective Diller’s shooting at close range.
The altercation on March 25 involved Rivera purportedly aiming a gun at Sergeant Sasha Rosen after shooting Diller, only to be thwarted by a jammed weapon. The subsequent investigation uncovered a defaced 9 mm pistol in the suspects’ vehicle.
The court has scheduled Jones to appear again on April 16, with Rivera’s next appearance set for May 7. The prosecution aims to seek justice for Detective Diller, emphasizing the impact of his loss on the community, his family, and the NYPD.