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Man charged in killing of NYPD detective not guilty of murder, guilty of other charges
FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovas breaks it down.
NEW YORK - Guy Rivera, who was accused of fatally shooting NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller during a traffic stop in Queens, has been found not guilty of murder in the first degree, but guilty of every other charge.
What we know:
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz made the announcement earlier today, April 1. Rivera has been convicted of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree and attempted murder in the first degree, for attempting to shoot an NYPD sergeant at the scene.
He was acquitted of murder in the first degree.
The trial, which began March 10, has included emotional testimony and graphic video evidence, including body camera footage capturing Diller’s final moments.
What happened to Officer Jonathan Diller?
Authorities say Diller and his partner stopped a vehicle that was illegally parked outside a cell phone store in Far Rockaway in March 2024. Investigators said the officers suspected the two men inside were planning a robbery.
Prosecutors allege Rivera, who was seated in the front passenger seat, shot Diller as officers ordered him out of the vehicle. Body camera footage shown in court depicted officers and emergency responders rushing the wounded officer to an ambulance.
Diller later died from his injuries.
Jonathan Diller and his one-year-old son
Jurors also heard testimony from Diller’s widow, Stephanie Diller, who is now raising the couple’s young son, as well as from his partner, Detective Vikash Kedna.
Rivera was shot twice during the encounter. He faces charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Defense says shooting was ‘unintentional’
The other side:
Defense attorneys have argued the shooting was unintentional, asking the judge to consider criminally negligent homicide as a lesser charge. Prosecutors contend there is no evidence to support that claim.
Rivera has 21 prior arrests and has previously served time for robbery, assault and weapons possession.
The Source: This article includes reporting from previous FOX 5 NY coverage.