NYPD Hero's Murder Trial Erupts in Chaos as Jury Split Revealed

Jury foreman claims acquittal on top count, but one juror denies verdict

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:56pm

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The trial of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller's accused killer, Guy Rivera, was thrown into chaos when the jury foreman announced an acquittal on the first-degree murder charge, but one juror denied the verdict. Diller's widow and mother reacted with gasps and wails in the Queens courtroom as the jury had found Rivera guilty on the other charges, including aggravated manslaughter and attempted murder of Diller's partner.

Why it matters

This case has drawn intense public scrutiny as Diller was considered an NYPD hero, and the chaotic jury deliberations raise questions about the integrity of the judicial process in high-profile criminal trials.

The details

The jury had begun deliberating Rivera's fate earlier in the day and then entered the courtroom late in the afternoon, when the foreman told the judge they had reached a not-guilty verdict on the first-degree murder charge. However, when the judge polled the jurors individually, juror No. 5 said 'no' when asked to confirm the verdict. The judge then ordered the jury back into deliberations, and they sent notes requesting more time and asking about making a phone call.

  • The jury began deliberating Rivera's fate earlier on Wednesday.
  • The jury entered the courtroom late in the afternoon on Wednesday.

The players

Guy Rivera

The defendant accused of killing NYPD officer Jonathan Diller on March 25, 2024.

Jonathan Diller

An NYPD officer considered a hero who was killed in the line of duty.

Judge Michael Aloise

The judge presiding over the trial of Guy Rivera.

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What they’re saying

“As I told you jurors, your verdict must be unanimous. Please go back in and deliberate.”

— Judge Michael Aloise, Presiding Judge

What’s next

The judge has ordered the jury to continue deliberating until they reach a unanimous verdict. Rivera faces life in prison without parole if convicted on the top count.

The takeaway

This chaotic jury deliberation in the high-profile trial of an NYPD hero's accused killer highlights the complexities and challenges of the criminal justice system, raising concerns about the integrity of the process and the ability to deliver justice in sensitive cases.