Guy Rivera Sentenced to 115 Years to Life for Killing Officer Diller

A Queens judge sentenced Guy Rivera to 115 years to life in prison on Monday for his role in the fatal shooting of New York City police Officer Jonathan Diller during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway two years ago. The term ensures Rivera, 36, will spend the rest of his life behind bars, as Judge Michael Aloise stated during an emotional hearing in a packed Queens courtroom filled with uniformed officers and Diller's family.

Rivera was convicted earlier this month of aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder and weapons possession charges following a three-week trial, though jurors acquitted him of first-degree murder. The incident occurred on March 25, 2024, when officers on patrol spotted a suspicious bulge in Rivera's hoodie as he and another man entered a parked car. While questioning the driver, Rivera, seated in the passenger side, drew a gun and fired, striking 31-year-old Diller below his bulletproof vest. The wound proved fatal. Another officer returned fire, wounding Rivera.

Diller's death marked the first line-of-duty killing of a New York Police Department officer in two years. His wake and funeral on Long Island drew thousands of attendees.