Trial begins for Guy Rivera in 2024 shooting death of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller

Opening statements begin in the trial of Guy Rivera, accused of killing NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller during a 2024 traffic stop in Queens.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 8:51 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from News 12 Long Island

Sea of Blue Expected at Queens Criminal Court

A powerful show of solidarity is expected this morning at the Queens Criminal Court in Kew Gardens as opening statements begin in the trial of Guy Rivera. Rivera is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the death of Detective Jonathan Diller. The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) of the City of New York is scheduled to address the media before filling the courtroom gallery, ensuring a significant law enforcement presence as the prosecution begins laying out its case against the 36-year-old defendant.

A Fatal Traffic Stop in Far Rockaway

The charges stem from a violent encounter on March 25, 2024, just before 6:00 p.m. Detective Diller and his team were conducting a traffic stop of a vehicle parked in front of a bus stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. Investigators believed the two men inside the car were illegally armed and potentially planning a robbery at a nearby retail location. According to prosecutors, when Diller approached the passenger side and ordered Rivera to show his hands, Rivera refused to comply, pulled a handgun, and shot Diller multiple times in the stomach below his bulletproof vest.

Heroic Actions Amidst Chaos

Despite being mortally wounded, Detective Diller managed to wrestle the firearm away from Rivera, potentially saving the lives of his partners. Prosecutors allege that Rivera then attempted to fire at another officer, but his weapon jammed. A third officer on the scene returned fire, striking Rivera. Diller was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the vehicle, Lindy Jones, was also arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon after a second firearm was discovered in the car's glove compartment.