The courtroom was thrown into disarray during the trial for the murder of New York City police officer Jonathan Diller, as a juror unexpectedly disclosed their inability to reach a unanimous decision.
Guy Rivera, aged 34, awaited the outcome when a juror interrupted proceedings to contradict the unanimous verdict presented to the judge. Subsequently, the jury reconvened and ultimately decided to acquit Rivera of the first-degree murder charge.
However, Rivera was convicted on a lesser charge of aggravated manslaughter.
The case revolved around the tragic death of the respected NYPD officer, who was shot and killed on March 25, 2024, during a routine traffic stop involving an illegally parked vehicle in Far Rockaway.
During the proceedings on Wednesday at the Queens Supreme Criminal Court, the jury spent several hours in deliberation before returning with a verdict that cleared Rivera of first-degree murder charges.
The jury’s foreman told the judge of the guilty verdicts on the rest of the charges against Rivera, including aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, attempted murder in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon, the New York Post reported.
Yet, as Judge Michael Aloise asked each juror if they agreed with the verdict, all but juror number five agreed.
‘As I told you jurors, your verdict must be unanimous. Please go back in and deliberate,’ Aloise said, according to the Post.
Guy Rivera, 34, awaited to hear his fate from the jury’s verdict, the courtroom was thrown by one juror denying a unanimous verdict to the judge
Rivera is standing trial for the murder of the beloved NYPD cop Jonathan Diller, who was fatally shot on March 25, 2024, during a routine traffic-stop on an illegally parked car in Far Rockaway
The jury, after being sent back to continuing deliberating, agreed on acquitting Rivera of first degree murder. He was found guilty of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, attempted murder in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon
Moments later, two notes from the jurors were passed through, one inquiring how long they would have to deliberate and the other asking if juror number eight could make a phone call to cancel an appointment.
Aloise told the jury, who were brought back into the courtroom, that there was no limit on the number of days it would take to reach a unanimous verdict.
Rivera faces up to 90 years without parole on the remaining charges.
Diller’s wife and mother were seen inside the courtroom on Wednesday as the initial verdict was read; both let out gasps and cries when Rivera was initially acquitted of the highest charge.
Stephanie Diller, the late police officer’s widow, was seen in heartbreaking photos crying as the verdict was read. She had been seen covering her ears during closing arguments on Tuesday as bodycam footage was shown to the court, the Post reported.
The jury later returned to deliver their final agreed upon verdict which found Rivera guilty of all charges except first degree murder, according to Fox News.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement to the outlet: ‘The last words Detective Jonathan Diller told his wife were, “I love you.” 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.
Diller’s wife and mother were seen inside the courtroom on Wednesday as the initial verdict was read; both let out gasps and cries when Rivera was initially acquitted of the highest charge
Stephanie Diller, the widow of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, holds the flag that covered her husband’s casket at his funeral in Massapequa Park, New York, in March 2024
Diller had been scheduled to be off-duty on that fateful day. He had been at the park spending time with his wife and son when he was called in
‘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.’
Diller had been scheduled to be off-duty on that fateful day. He had been at the park spending time with his wife and son when he was called in.
Masses of uniformed officers were seen showing support outside of the courtroom.
Rivera, who boasted a long criminal history, allegedly opened fire on Diller after he ordered the suspect to get out of the car.
In disturbing surveillance footage, three loud gunshots were heard ringing out as bystanders fled for safety.
‘I’m hit!’ Diller was heard yelling, while onlookers sprinted from the sound of gunshots. As the footage continues, Diller, who was shot in the stomach, was heard screaming in pain.
Despite being shot, Diller heroically moved the gun away from the shooter after it was dropped on the ground.
The officer was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Rivera faces up to 90 years without parole on the remaining charges
Rivera was also wounded in the shooting and spent days in hospital where prosecutors claim he admitted to concealing a knife in his rectum.
He pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Katz said: ‘Detective Diller was shot and killed while trying to rid our streets of illegal weapons, a lawless act that was an affront to a civilized society.
‘His tragic death is a painful reminder that we must never let up in our quest to get these guns and those who use them off of our streets.
‘We are grateful that the grand jury returned serious charges against the defendant. Our thoughts are with Detective Diller’s family, friends and colleagues as they continue to grieve. We will seek justice for him.’
Following Rivera’s arrest, it emerged that he had a lengthy criminal history including first degree robbery, illegal gun possession and assaults.
He totaled 21 prior arrests and previously served five years in prison on drug charges before being paroled in 2021.
Rivera was also behind bars from 2011 to 2014 over a first-degree assault charge.
Diller leaves behind his wife of six years and their young son. His brother-in-law Jonny Mac vowed to take care of Diller’s son in his absence.
‘What started out as an everyday car stop, instantly became a moment where so many lives would be turned upside down. Jon leaves behind a wife and a one year old son who will now grow up without his father,’ Mac said in 2024.
‘To those of you out there in the streets, it can be so easy to become wrapped into the moment.
‘To think horrible events like this can’t happen to you. To become focused on making that next arrest or racing to the action. Remember those who love you at those moments.
‘Jon, there are no words to describe how devastated we are that you are gone. You were a good man and a great father whose shoes can never be filled. I swear to you that I will look after your son as if he were my own. For the rest of my life.’
