New York, NY – An alleged shooter has been charged with first-degree murder for the killing of Police Officer Jonathan Diller in Queens. District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the charges on Thursday, stating that the suspect, Guy Rivera, faces life imprisonment without parole if convicted.
Rivera, 34, was arrested three days after the shooting incident on Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway. Diller, a 31-year-old NYPD officer, succumbed to his injuries at Jamaica Hospital after being shot in the abdomen. He leaves behind a wife and infant son.
The tragic event unfolded when Diller and his partner, Sergeant Sasha Rosen, approached a suspicious vehicle parked illegally. Rivera, who was inside the car, allegedly fired at Diller, resulting in a fatal gunshot wound. Despite being injured, Diller managed to wrestle the suspect’s weapon away.
Rivera, a former convict with a history of criminal offenses, was also wounded in the altercation. It was revealed that he had served time in prison for drug possession and a hate crime against correctional officers.
Following the shooting, Rivera and another suspect, Lindy Jones, were taken into custody. Jones faces weapons possession charges in connection with the incident. The investigation indicated that the suspects may have been planning a robbery at the time of the confrontation with law enforcement.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the NYPD and Diller’s family prepare to mourn his loss at a wake in Massapequa Park. Diller’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, March 30, in Massapequa, where he resided.
The community mourns the loss of Officer Diller, a dedicated public servant who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. The charges against the alleged shooter serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in their daily efforts to protect and serve the public.
The tragic incident underscores the risks faced by law enforcement officers and highlights the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The legal process will determine the fate of the accused shooter as the community comes together to honor the memory of Officer Jonathan Diller.