A New York City jury found the man accused of killing a police detective during a traffic stop in Queens not guilty of murder, but guilty of lesser charges in the fatal shooting.

In their verdict Wednesday, jurors ruled that Guy Rivera was guilty of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, attempted murder in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon for firing his gun at 31-year-old NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller and killing him after a stop in Far Rockaway in 2024.

When the judge initially asked each individual juror to confirm the verdict, one juror disagreed. The judge informed the jury the verdict must be unanimous, and they were sent back to deliberate.

The jury returned a few hours later and confirmed the same verdict.

Sentencing has been scheduled for April 27. Victim impact statements will be read at that hearing.

Jonathan Diller, wife Stephanie Diller and their son

Jonathan Diller, wife Stephanie Diller and their son

New York City Police Benevolent Association

Rivera, 36, pleaded not guilty after prosecutors charged him with first-degree murder of a police officer, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. 

Defense lawyers argued it was an “unintentional discharge” of Rivera’s gun and that no evidence showed he intended to pull the trigger. They said Sgt. Sasha Rosen, who was with Diller, grabbed Rivera’s wrist and caused the gun to go off. The sergeant denied those allegations in court. 

Jurors watched bodycam footage of the encounter and heard testimony from the detective’s widow during the trial.     

What happened to Det. Jonathan Diller?

During the trial, prosecutors said on March 25, 2024, Diller was called in on his day off to address violence and robbery concerns at the Mott Avenue train station in Far Rockaway.

Prosecutors say Diller was with other members of the NYPD’s Community Response team when Rivera was spotted with what appeared to be a gun in his hoodie pocket. Rivera allegedly got into a car with another man, Lindy Jones, and ignored officers’ commands before allegedly shooting Diller after being pulled out of the car.

Diller was struck in the torso, just below his bullet-resistant vest. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Prosecutors said Rivera pointed the weapon at Rosen after Diller was shot, but the gun jammed.

Rivera was shot twice by police. 

NYPD community mourns loss

Dozens of police officers have attended court hearings leading up to and during the trial to show their support. 

Diller was a husband and father who lived on Long Island. He was an officer at the time of the shooting and was posthumously promoted to detective. 

Hundreds of police officers attended his funeral in Massapequa, and President Trump also visited for half an hour to speak with Diller’s wife.

Alice Gainer

contributed to this report.

In: