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Man Accused of Killing NYPD Officer in 2024 Goes on Trial
Guy Rivera charged with murder in shooting of Detective Jonathan Diller, whose death became a flashpoint in 2024 presidential race.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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Guy Rivera, 36, is on trial for the 2024 murder of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, 31, who was shot and killed during a confrontation in Queens. Prosecutors allege Rivera shot Diller and then tried to shoot his partner before the gun jammed. Rivera has pleaded not guilty, with his lawyer claiming the shooting was unintentional. The high-profile case gained national attention during the 2024 presidential election.
Why it matters
The killing of Detective Diller became a major news story and political issue during the 2024 presidential campaign, with the rise in crime following the pandemic being used by the Republican nominee to criticize Democrats. Diller's death highlighted concerns about gun violence and the treatment of law enforcement.
The details
On March 25, 2024, Diller and other officers approached a car illegally parked in Queens, where they encountered Rivera and another man, Lindy Jones. Rivera allegedly had a gun-shaped object in his pocket, and when Diller tried to apprehend him, a struggle ensued and Diller was shot below his bulletproof vest. Diller managed to disarm Rivera before dying from his injuries. Rivera was shot in the back by another officer. Prosecutors say Rivera "chose violence" while Rivera's lawyer claims the shooting was unintentional.
- On March 25, 2024, Detective Diller was shot and killed in Queens.
- The trial of Guy Rivera began on March 10, 2026.
The players
Guy Rivera
A 36-year-old man charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in the 2024 killing of Detective Jonathan Diller. Rivera has pleaded not guilty, with his lawyer claiming the shooting was unintentional.
Detective Jonathan Diller
A 31-year-old NYPD officer who was shot and killed during a confrontation with Rivera in 2024. Diller was posthumously promoted to detective.
Stephanie Diller
The wife of Detective Jonathan Diller.
Lindy Jones
A man who was with Rivera in the car when the confrontation with police occurred. Jones was charged with weapons possession.
Donald J. Trump
The Republican nominee for president in 2024 who used Diller's killing to criticize Democrats on crime issues, and later invited Stephanie Diller to his first joint congressional address after winning the election.
What they’re saying
“With his life slipping away, Officer Diller fought through that pain. Officer Diller ripped that gun out of that individual's hand.”
— Kenneth Zawistowski, Queens prosecutor (New York Times)
“He did not intend to shoot and kill a police officer.”
— Erin Darcy, Lawyer for Guy Rivera (New York Times)
“This individual is a cold-blooded killer.”
— Patrick Hendry, Head of the police officers' union (New York Times)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Guy Rivera out on bail.
The takeaway
This high-profile case highlights the ongoing tensions around crime, policing, and criminal justice reform, issues that took on heightened political significance in the aftermath of the pandemic and during the 2024 presidential election.
