In a New York City courtroom on Tuesday, a man from Queens stood before the judge, facing indictment on charges of murder and attempted murder. This occasion comes from the aftermath of the tragic shooting death of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller during a routine traffic stop in March.
Guy Rivera, aged 34 and hailing from Woodside, was formally charged with first- and second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Detective Diller. Additionally, Rivera faced charges of first- and second-degree attempted murder for allegedly targeting an NYPD sergeant during the same incident in Far Rockaway on March 25. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced these indictments, which also included weapon charges against Rivera and his co-defendant, Lindy Jones, aged 41.
The man accused of fatally shooting NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller is scheduled to be arraigned in Queens Supreme Criminal Court today.
Guy Rivera, 34, was indicted on first-degree murder and other charges for the fatal shooting which took place in Far Rockaway on March 25,… pic.twitter.com/8s8d1JOSnD
— Crime In NYC (@CrimeInNYC) May 7, 2024
As Rivera entered his plea of not guilty, the presence of Detective Diller’s grieving family underscored the gravity of the proceedings. If convicted, Rivera could spend the rest of his life behind bars without the possibility of parole. He remains in custody, awaiting his next court appearance scheduled for July 22.
Meanwhile, Lindy Jones, Rivera’s co-defendant, faced charges related to weapon possession and was remanded into custody. His potential sentence could extend up to 30 years in prison, with a court date set for June 12, NBC New York reports.
The court heard that the tragic events unfolded when Detective Diller and fellow officers approached a vehicle in Far Rockaway, suspecting Rivera of carrying a firearm. Despite attempts to engage Rivera, violence erupted, resulting in Detective Diller being shot in the stomach. Allegedly, Rivera also attempted to fire at Sergeant Sasha Rosen, but the gun malfunctioned, sparing further tragedy.
Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of a loaded 9 mm pistol inside the vehicle’s glove compartment, bearing a scratched-off serial number, further incriminating the defendants.
The community’s focus on the events leading to this confrontation underscores the urgency of addressing illegal weapons on city streets. Detective Diller, a decorated officer with four NYPD recognitions during his three-year tenure, leaves behind a grieving wife, Stephanie, and their one-year-old son, Ryan.
District Attorney Katz emphasized the significance of seeking justice for Detective Diller, condemning the senseless violence that claimed his life.
