In a courtroom in Queens on Tuesday, Fran Diller, the mother of fallen NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, confronted Guy Rivera, the man accused of killing her son. Rivera, 35, stayed hunched down, wearing a surgical mask, and avoided eye contact with her despite the presence of numerous supportive police officers.
During the hearing, Rivera was reminded multiple times to remove his mask so that witnesses could identify him. This hearing was part of the legal proceedings known as the “Dunaway” process, which helps establish if there was enough probable cause for police to arrest him.
Three New York City police officers testified about the events surrounding the incident in which Rivera was shot after a confrontation outside a T-Mobile store. It turned out he had a concealed weapon, a 4-inch knife wrapped in a blue balloon, lodged in an unusual place, an act likely done to prepare for an anticipated arrest.
Police Officer Hector Lugo shared an unsettling memory from the hospital, mentioning that a doctor informed him about the foreign object found in Rivera’s rectum. Rivera reportedly told Lugo, “I have another weapon in there,” indicating a refusal to take the situation seriously even while in a vulnerable state.
Authorities believe Rivera and his accomplice, Lindy Jones, were planning to rob the store when Officer Diller approached them. Though Diller initially sought to question them, Rivera opened fire when Diller opened the door, leading to the officer’s tragic death. Disturbingly, Diller’s plea of “I’ve been shot!” could be heard in body camera footage from the scene.
During the testimony, FDNY paramedic Jonathan Billian noted that Rivera seemed intoxicated at the time, which was corroborated by a liquor bottle that fell out of his coat. This added another layer to the chaotic scene, already filled with violence and desperation.
Both Rivera and Jones face murder charges in connection to Diller’s death, which has garnered immense attention. Since Rivera’s arrest, Fran Diller has been a fixture in court, facing him multiple times over the past few months.
Outside the courtroom, NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry spoke out about the failures of the criminal justice system. He emphasized the pressing need for reform, remarking on the seeming audacity of criminals who feel they can commit serious crimes without consequence. “Not this time,” he asserted, referencing the urgent need to hold such offenders accountable.
The judge has yet to issue a ruling regarding the ongoing proceedings of the case.
