On April 27, 2026, a judge in Queens, New York, sentenced a man to life in prison for the 2024 shooting death of New York City police officer Jonathan Diller.
Guy Rivera, 36, received a sentence of 115 years to life after a jury earlier found him guilty of aggravated manslaughter and other charges. However, he was acquitted of murder.
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| Officer Jonathan Diller |
The case started on March 25, 2024, in the Far Rockaway area of Queens when officers on patrol noticed a suspicious bulge in Rivera’s hoodie as he and another man approached and entered a parked car.
While officers were questioning the driver, Rivera, who was sitting in the passenger seat, pulled out a gun and fired at the officers.
Tragically, the bullet struck Diller below his bulletproof vest, causing fatal injuries, while another officer at the scene shot back and wounded Rivera.
At the time, Diller, 31, was the first NYPD officer killed in the line of duty in two years, as per Counton 2 New
His death drew large crowds to his wake and funeral on Long Island, including then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. In March 2025, Trump later described Diller as a “wonderful person and a great officer” during an address to Congress.
During the trial, Rivera’s defense attorney, Jamal Johnson, argued that Rivera did not intend to kill the officer. He said the gun went off accidentally as officers tried to remove it from Rivera’s pocket.
Johnson also told the court that his client did not receive a fair trial and later said he plans to appeal the conviction.
On the otherhand, prosecutors argued that Rivera should receive a life sentence, pointing to his past criminal record and describing his actions as deliberate. Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Zawistowski told the court that the shooting was not accidental and urged the judge to honor Diller’s life and service.
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| Guy Rivera |
While Rivera chose not to speak during the sentencing, Members of Diller’s family gave emotional statements in court.
His wife, Stephanie Diller, said she and their young son were left to live without him, while his mother, Fran Diller, said she continues to feel the loss every day.
A second man involved in the incident, Lindy Jones, is expected back in court as he faces weapons charges.
After the hearing, Patrick Hendry, president of the police officers’ union, said the sentence ensures Rivera will not be released.
Judge Michael Aloise told Rivera that he would die in prison, saying the impact of his actions would stay with him for the rest of his life.
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