- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Man Convicted of Manslaughter, Not Murder, in Shooting of NYPD Officer
Jury acquits Guy Rivera of murder but convicts him of aggravated manslaughter in 2024 killing of Officer Jonathan Diller
Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:35pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A Queens jury has convicted Guy Rivera of aggravated manslaughter but acquitted him of murder in the 2024 shooting death of New York City police officer Jonathan Diller during a traffic stop. Rivera was charged with intentionally shooting Diller, but his lawyer argued the gun accidentally discharged as officers tried to remove it from Rivera's pocket.
Why it matters
The case briefly became a focal point during former President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, and the verdict raises questions about the prosecution's ability to prove intent in officer-involved shootings. The outcome also leaves Diller's family without a murder conviction, though Rivera still faces the possibility of life in prison.
The details
Prosecutors said Rivera pulled out a concealed handgun and intentionally shot Diller during a routine police stop in Queens. However, Rivera's lawyer argued the gun accidentally discharged as officers tried to remove the firearm from Rivera's pocket. The jury deliberated for roughly eight hours following a three-week trial before reaching the verdict.
- The shooting occurred on March 25, 2024.
- The jury delivered its verdict on April 2, 2026.
- Rivera is set for sentencing on April 27, 2026.
The players
Guy Rivera
A 36-year-old man charged with the 2024 shooting death of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller.
Officer Jonathan Diller
A 31-year-old NYPD officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2024, leaving behind a wife and 1-year-old son.
Stephanie Diller
The widow of Officer Jonathan Diller.
Donald Trump
The former U.S. president who hailed Officer Diller as an 'unbelievably wonderful person and a great officer' in a 2025 speech to Congress.
Jessica Tisch
The NYPD Commissioner who expressed disappointment that Rivera wasn't convicted of murder.
What they’re saying
“This was Murder 1 on a New York City police officer. No doubt about it.”
— Patrick Hendry, President of the police officers' union
“Rivera 'chose to ignore multiple lawful commands and chose to shoot Detective Diller'.”
— Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney
What’s next
The judge will sentence Guy Rivera on April 27, 2026, and he faces the possibility of life in prison.
The takeaway
This case highlights the challenges prosecutors face in proving intent in officer-involved shootings, even when the victim is a police officer. The verdict leaves Diller's family without a murder conviction, raising questions about accountability and justice for fallen officers.
