Queens Man Convicted in Cop Killing Case

Jury delivers mixed verdict, finding Guy Rivera guilty of manslaughter but not murder

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:05pm

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After a three-week trial, a Queens jury found 35-year-old Guy Rivera guilty of aggravated manslaughter and illegal weapons possession in the 2024 shooting death of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller. However, the jury acquitted Rivera of the more serious charge of first-degree murder. Rivera was also convicted of attempted first-degree murder of Diller's partner, Sergeant Sasha Rosen.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities and challenges in prosecuting police-involved shootings, where competing narratives and evidence can lead to mixed verdicts. The outcome raises questions about accountability, use of force policies, and the role of body camera footage in these types of high-profile incidents.

The details

Prosecutors charged Rivera after his gun fired the shot that killed Diller during a March 2024 traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. Rivera was a passenger in the car, which was pulled over by Diller and Rosen after they thought they saw Rivera carrying a gun earlier that evening. A scuffle ensued through the car window, leading to the fatal shooting. Rivera's attorney argued the gun went off accidentally and that Rosen's finger hit the trigger, while prosecutors said Rivera intended to kill Diller to avoid arrest for the illegal weapon.

  • The incident occurred during a March 2024 traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens.
  • The three-week trial took place in early 2026.

The players

Guy Rivera

A 35-year-old Queens resident who was convicted of aggravated manslaughter and illegal weapons possession in the 2024 shooting death of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller.

NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller

A 31-year-old NYPD officer who was killed during the March 2024 traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens.

NYPD Sergeant Sasha Rosen

Diller's partner, who was also involved in the traffic stop and was the victim of Rivera's attempted first-degree murder conviction.

Lindy Jones

The driver of the car Rivera was a passenger in during the 2024 incident, who has a criminal record including 14 prior arrests.

Jamal Johnson

The attorney from the Legal Aid Society who represented Guy Rivera in the trial.

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What they’re saying

“There was no doubt Rivera intended to kill Diller, who lived in Massapequa Park, saying he declined to cooperate with officers and acted with a disregard for life to save himself from potential arrest after being caught with an illegal weapon.”

— John Kosinski, Assistant District Attorney

“Rivera did not intend to kill Diller, or even for his gun to go off. He said it was actually Rosen whose finger hit the trigger when she reached into Rivera's car.”

— Jamal Johnson, Attorney, Legal Aid Society

What’s next

Rivera faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced later this month.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities in prosecuting police-involved shootings, where competing narratives and evidence can lead to mixed verdicts that raise questions about accountability, use of force policies, and the role of body camera footage in these types of high-profile incidents.