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The individual accused of shooting NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller to death during a traffic stop in Queens two years ago has been acquitted of first-degree murder charges. However, he has been convicted of manslaughter along with several other offenses.
On Wednesday, Guy Rivera was found guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter and attempted first-degree murder for trying to shoot a NYPD sergeant who was also at the scene. Additionally, he was convicted on two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The jury, however, cleared him of the first-degree murder charge.
Earlier that day, the jury announced it had reached a verdict, only to be sent back for further discussions after a juror expressed that the decision was not unanimous.
Initially, the jury foreman informed the judge that they had decided on a not-guilty verdict for the first-degree murder charge but found Rivera guilty of the remaining charges. However, during a poll of the jurors conducted by the court clerk, juror No. 5 indicated disagreement with the verdict, according to the New York Post.
Ultimately, Guy Rivera was acquitted of first-degree murder but found guilty of manslaughter and other related charges. (Dave Sanders/Pool/The New York Times; NYPD)
“As I told you jurors, your verdict must be unanimous. Please go back in and deliberate,” Judge Michael Aloise told the jury, the outlet reported.
A short time later, a couple of notes were sent in from the jury — one asking how many days they would have to deliberate if they were unable to reach a verdict that day and another in which one juror said she needed to make a phone call to cancel an appointment.
“There is no time limit, continue deliberating,” the judge told them.
Later on Wednesday, the jury came back and agreed on the verdict.
Guy Rivera shot and killed NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller during a traffic stop in Queens in 2024. (Fox News)
Authorities said Diller and his partner, Sergeant Sasha Rosen, stopped a vehicle illegally parked outside a cell phone store in Far Rockaway in March 2024. Prosecutors said Rivera then shot and killed Diller after being ordered to step out of the vehicle.
After shooting Diller, Rivera pointed his gun at Rosen’s chest and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed, prosecutors said. Diller wrestled the gun away from his hand before he collapsed on the street from his injuries.
Rivera was also shot twice during the encounter.
Diller was scheduled to be off duty the day of the killing. He was at a park with his wife and young son when he was called in.
Widow Stephanie Diller is seen at the funeral service for New York City Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller held at Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa Park, New York, on March 30, 2024. (The Image Direct for Fox News Digital)
“The last words Detective Jonathan Diller told his wife were ‘I love you,’” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “Detective Diller was a father, a husband and a son. He was also a dedicated member of the New York City Police Department who put on a uniform every day to protect our city.”
“This crime stole the life of a dutiful officer and a family man and endangered the life of a devoted NYPD sergeant,” the statement added. “We continue to stand in solidarity with Detective Diller’s loved ones, Sergeant Sasha Rosen and all the brave men and women who protect our city.”
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