Getaway driver convicted in murder of NYPD Det. Diller sentenced to 5 years in prison
QUEENS (WABC) -- The driver of the getaway car in the shooting death of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller was sentenced on Tuesday to five years in prison and five years of probation.
Last month, 44-year-old Lindy Jones pleaded guilty to a gun charge tied to the deadly traffic stop shooting in Queens back in 2024.
His passenger, Guy Rivera, fired the shot that killed Diller after officers approached the car to investigate what appeared to be a gun in Rivera's pocket.
Rivera, 36, was sentenced in April to 115 years to life behind bars.
On the final day of court Tuesday, Diller's siblings wept and spoke about their brother.
"He was the person that I could always count on no matter what," Diller's older sister Jennifer Lienhop said. "Since losing him, there's a void in my heart that could never be filled."
Diller's older brother also reflected on his life.
"March 25th, 2024 forever changes my life, not a day passes without me forever thinking of my brother and missing him," Jason Diller said. "I will never have my bother back. I will never hear his silly laugh again."
Diller was posthumously promoted to detective.
Jones stared straight ahead while Diller's siblings spoke and opted not to speak when the judge asked if he had anything to say.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz spoke briefly after court.
"There are tragic circumstances that come from gun violence and we need accountability for it," Katz said.
The police union also spoke outside of court and called the sentencing a win for Diller's family.
"He needs to understand the dire outcomes for disregarding the dangers of illegal gun violence," Jason Diller said. "Mr. Jones needs to be held accountable for his actions."
Diller's family hopes they can start to move forward.
"Now that this court case has come to an end, I hope I never have to relive these painful moments again," Lienhop said. "While this chapter may be closing, the loss of Jonathan will always remain with us forever."
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