A Queens jury delivered a verdict in the fatal shooting of an NYPD officer, bringing partial closure to a case that shook the department and the Far Rockaway community.
Queens, NY – A Queens jury has convicted 36-year-old Guy Rivera of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree in the fatal shooting of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, along with attempted murder and weapons charges stemming from the same incident in Far Rockaway. The verdict was reached Wednesday after approximately eight hours of deliberation following a weeks-long trial.
Rivera, of Long Island City, was also found guilty of attempted murder in the first degree for attempting to shoot NYPD Sergeant Sasha Rosen during the March 25, 2024 encounter. However, the jury acquitted him of murder in the first degree. Sentencing is scheduled for April 27, where Rivera faces up to 90 years to life in prison, according to Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz described the case and its impact on the victim’s family and fellow officers.
Shooting unfolded during vehicle stop in Far Rockaway
“The last words Detective Jonathan Diller told his wife were ‘I love you,’” Katz said. “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.”
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“On March 25, 2024, Guy Rivera chose to ignore these facts, chose to ignore multiple lawful commands and chose to shoot Detective Diller,” Katz added. “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.”
Key Points
- Guy Rivera convicted of aggravated manslaughter and attempted murder in Queens
- NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller fatally shot during March 2024 vehicle stop
- Rivera faces up to 90 years to life; sentencing set for April 27
According to trial testimony, the shooting occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Mott Avenue as Detective Diller and members of the NYPD’s Queens South Community Response Team approached a parked 2016 Kia Soul. Sergeant Rosen had observed what appeared to be a gun-shaped bulge in Rivera’s sweatshirt as he exited a nearby store with another man, identified as Lindy Jones.
Police said Rivera ignored repeated commands to exit the vehicle after taking a seat in the passenger side. When officers opened the car door, Rivera reached into his pocket, pulled out a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and fired, striking Diller in the abdomen below his bulletproof vest.
Attempted second shooting and arrest at scene
Prosecutors said Rivera then pointed the gun at Sergeant Rosen’s chest and pulled the trigger, but the weapon jammed. Detective Diller managed to wrestle the gun away before collapsing from his injuries.
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Diller was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery and multiple blood transfusions but later died. Authorities said the bullet severed his iliac artery, causing fatal internal bleeding.
During the confrontation, Officer Veckash Khedna fired two shots, striking Rivera, who was taken into custody at the scene and transported for medical treatment.
A subsequent court-authorized search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded 9 mm pistol in the glove compartment with a defaced serial number. Investigators said Rivera’s fingerprints and DNA were found on the weapon.
Lindy Jones, 43, of Edgemere, who was in the vehicle at the time, remains charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. He is due back in court Monday.
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