Guy Rivera, a career criminal, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges in the death of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller. The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, New York, on March 25. Rivera allegedly fired multiple shots at Diller, fatally wounding him.
Guy Rivera, a 34-year-old ex-con, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges in the death of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller. The indictment alleges that Rivera intentionally caused Diller's death by shooting him multiple times during a traffic stop on March 25 in Far Rockaway, New York.
Rivera appeared in a Queens courtroom Tuesday morning for his arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty. He remains in custody without bail.
According to prosecutors, Rivera has a lengthy criminal history, including nine prior felony convictions. He was also recently released on parole.
The incident occurred when a group of NYPD officers, including Diller, approached Rivera and another ex-con, Lindy Jones, in an illegally parked car. The officers suspected Rivera might have been carrying an illegal handgun after witnessing him walk out of a store with a gun-shaped object in his front pocket.
When the officers asked Rivera to open the car window, he allegedly refused and instead pulled out a gun and shot Diller beneath his vest. Rivera then took aim at another officer, Sgt. Sasha Rosen, but the gun jammed when he squeezed the trigger.
During the ensuing struggle, Rivera was shot by the police.
Rivera suffered a gunshot wound of his own and was taken to the hospital. He was still wearing a brace on his wrist and had visible scars on his face when he appeared in court.
Prosecutors also notified the judge that they would seek a sentence for Rivera under the state's "persistent felony offender" rules due to his extensive criminal history if convicted.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea expressed his gratitude to the grand jury for returning serious charges against Rivera. "Our thoughts are with Detective Diller's family, friends and colleagues as they continue to grieve. We will seek justice for him," he said.
Diller, who had a wife and a 1-year-old son, was the father of a 1-year-old boy. His death prompted a national outcry that grew larger after details about the suspects' criminal backgrounds emerged.
Jones, who was driving the car, has also been charged with felony firearms offenses. He faces up to 30 years in prison.
Rivera is being represented by legal aid counsel, but prosecutors have asked the judge to remove them, alleging a conflict of interest involving potential witnesses in the case who had also been represented by legal aid in matters that were sealed by the court.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 22.
