Trial begins for man accused of fatally shooting NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller in Queens
QUEENS (WABC) -- A Queens courtroom was packed on Tuesday with family, friends and fellow officers of slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop that turned deadly.
Suspected killer Guy Rivera, 36, was indicted on first-degree murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon charges in the fatal shooting of Diller.
Rivera pleaded not guilty to charges of first and second degree murder. He faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.
Harrowing bodycam video of the final moments of Diller's life played as testimony began in the March 2024 shooting death of the 31-year-old officer.
"Jonathan Diller, just 31 years old with his whole career ahead of him, a wife, his son waiting for him at home, and it was all stripped away from him because of a violent repeat offender," said PBA President Patrick Hendry.
Hundreds of NYPD officers packed courtrooms at the Queens criminal courthouse for opening statements.
Diller's widow, who was also in court, was surrounded by family as she faced her husband's alleged killer.
"This individual made a calculated, deliberate action to point a loaded and operable three caliber firearm in the direction of officer Diller and pull the trigger," said the Queens assistant district attorney.
Rivera was dressed in an orange shirt and tie and showed little reaction as prosecutors outlined their case against him.
Police say Rivera was in the passenger seat of a car when he pulled a gun and shot Diller, 31, through the window. He was shot in the back by Diller's partner.
Prosecutors said he then "attempted to cause the death of Sgt. Sasha Rosen" by shooting again, but his gun jammed.
As for Rivera's defense?
"A moment ago, he told you a story of a really calculated act of a man who intentionally shot and killed a New York City police officer instead of simply stepping out of his car, that is conduct that is truly so horrific, it's hard to imagine, but members of the jury that simply did not happen in this case," defense attorney Erin Darcy said.
His attorney suggested the gun discharged during a chaotic scene.
"Your role as a jury is not to reach verdict based on how something ended, instead, you have to look at what actually happened and what's been proven to you and whether there's any intent, any evidence that Mr. Rivera had any intent to shoot or kill a police officer," Darcy said.
Rivera has 21 prior arrests and has served time for assault, robbery and possession of a controlled substance.
A second suspect, 43-year-old Lindy Jones, was indicted back in 2024 on a weapons charge in this case. Jones has a conviction for attempted murder.
Officers believed Rivera and Jones were planning to rob a store.
The trial is expected to last three to four weeks.
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