Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Guy Rivera and Lindy Jones have been charged in connection with the shooting death. New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller Last week in Far Rockway.
“The murder of a New York City police officer struck the heart of this city and shook every sense of security in civilized society. A grand jury has found several charges against these defendants in the death of a dedicated police officer, Detective Jonathan Diller. “These are fathers, husbands and sons who lost their lives doing their duty to serve and protect their communities,” Katz said.
Rivera, 34, who is suspected of fatally shooting Diller during a traffic stop, is facing first-degree murder charges and first-degree charges of attempting to fire a gun at NYPD Sgt. He was charged with attempted murder. Both defendants were charged with criminal possession of a second weapon found in the vehicle.
“We need to make sure we hold people accountable. They go after our law enforcement. Going after New York City law enforcement sends a message. We want to send them back. We can’t do that. We’re going to prosecute.” “You stand for that, and today we did that,” Katz continued.
NYPD Jonathan Diller shooting: Guy Rivera charged with attempted murder in police attack
Guy Rivera, the ex-convict suspected of shooting and killing NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, appears in his mugshot. (New York City Police Department)
Jones was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
“Today, my office made a motion to ensure that he is remanded not only for this gun possession charge, but also for his previous gun possession charges. To ensure that he stands trial, he must be a flight risk.” We proved that to the judge today,’ and we remanded him,” Katz said.
Katz said Jones admitted in court that he “shot people.”
“He’s been sentenced to up to 30 years in prison, but he’s made it very clear that this is what he’s doing. He’s shooting people,” Katz told reporters. We discussed the matter and the judge remanded him.”
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A portrait of late NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, who was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens on March 25, was held at Brady Park in Massapequa, New York, on March 27. The photo was taken at a candlelight vigil. , 2024. (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton)
Nearly 100 NYPD officers filed into the courtroom, filling nearly every seat for Rivera’s first court appearance.
“This is a violent career criminal with the mindset of murdering a New York City police officer. He is dangerous and should never have been on the streets,” said Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA). .
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New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller has a wife and a son who is almost 1 year old. (New York City Police Department)
On March 25, around 5:40 p.m., Diller saw Rivera with what appeared to be a gun in his front sweatshirt pocket. Prosecutors said Rivera and Jones then got into a 2016 Kia Soul, with Jones in the driver’s seat.
Diller and other officers approached the car and repeatedly asked Rivera to roll down the windows before opening the car door. Rivera then pulled a gun from his clothing and shot and killed Diller, prosecutors allege. The officer was hit in the abdomen.
“There is simply no excuse that this person was out of prison at the time of Officer Diller’s murder,” Hendry said.
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NYPD officers attend the funeral of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller at St. Rose of Lima RC Church in Massapequa, New York on March 30, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Mr Hendry called for further changes.
“The police officers behind me are tired of our country’s criminal justice system not doing its job. That starts today. We will continue to be in this courtroom. Until change happens. Over and over again. Attacks on police officers must be over,” Hendry said.
Mr Hendry stressed that judges in such cases should do their job and stop making excuses.
“They should put these violent criminals in custody. They should be in custody. They should not be back on the streets,” Hendry said.
The court was adjourned until April 16th. Rivera is being held without bail because a judge deemed him a flight risk.
Guy Rivera and Lindy Jones were charged in connection with the murder of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller.
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“This is a step on the path to justice for our hero brother and his family. I thank you, I know his family. Thank you and we… Thank you for risking your lives every day to keep us all in this city.” We are safe. Thank you very much,” said Hendry.
If convicted, Rivera faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Katz’s office said Jones faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the current charges, plus 15 years in prison on a separate undisclosed weapons charge starting in April 2023. may be imposed.
Officer Diller was posthumously promoted to Detective First Class.
“This senseless gun violence not only took the life of a detective, but also put another NYPD employee at risk,” Katz said. “We stand by the victims, their grieving families, and the entire NYPD community. We will continue to stand together in pursuit of justice.”
