More than 200 police officers gathered in a Queens courtroom where Lindy Jones and Guy Rivera were indicted in the killing of hero cop Jonathan Diller during a traffic stop. Rivera allegedly opened fire on Diller while he was questioning them at a bus stop in Far Rockaway. Jones, the driver, faces felony gun possession charges for a pistol recovered from his glove compartment. Rivera, who remains hospitalized, was indicted on murder charges for killing Diller.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the need for accountability in a society where shooting a police officer is unacceptable. Diller, a father and husband, lost his life while simply doing his job. Jones, also known as “Killa,” has a history of violent crimes and faces up to 30 years in prison for his role in Diller’s death. Rivera, a seasoned criminal with multiple arrests, spent five years in prison on a drug conviction and had recently completed his parole.
Diller, a young cop and father to a 1-year-old, caught Jones and Rivera’s attention while they were parked near a bus stop. Diller was fatally shot below his bulletproof vest during the confrontation. Despite being mortally wounded, he managed to grab Rivera’s gun while engaged in a struggle with the accused killer. Rivera was also wounded in the altercation. Jones, who had been out on bail for a previous gun possession charge, was taken into custody and faces additional weapons possession charges.
NYPD Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry criticized the criminal justice system for failing to keep career criminals like Jones off the streets. Police believe that Jones and Rivera were planning a robbery when Diller approached them. Jones attempted to evade arrest by claiming Rivera was a hitchhiker he had just picked up. He was remanded into custody at Rikers Island and Rivera is set for arraignment in May.
Diller was laid to rest following a two-day wake that drew hundreds of uniformed officers and included a visit from former President Donald Trump. During the funeral, Diller’s wife expressed frustration with city and state officials for not keeping violent criminals off the streets, leading to the death of her husband. She called for change to protect law enforcement officers and prevent further tragedies. Diller leaves behind his wife, son, and grieving parents.
