Jonathan Diller: Widow of NYPD officer breaks down as career criminal Guy Rivera charged with murder

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

QUEENS, NEW YORK: The widow of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller was left in tears on Tuesday, May 7 as a ruthless ex-con was charged with first-degree murder in his traffic-stop shooting death.

The officer has left behind a one-year-old son and wife Stephanie Diller.

Guy Rivera, 34, appeared in Queens Supreme Court, and was indicted on charges including first and second-degree murder, attempted murder, and multiple counts of weapon possession, as fellow officers stood in solidarity with Diller's family, holding signs demanding 'Justice for Jonathan.'

“I hope that vicious, violent cop killer took a good look at the crowd in that courtroom because he’s going to see us every time he comes to court,” remarked NYPD PBA President Patrick Hendry, adding, “Great husband, great father, just an all around great family man who loved being a police officer and loves his family."

Insights into the tragic shooting of Officer Jonathan Diller

The tragic incident occurred during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway on March 25, when Diller spotted a Kia Soul illegally parked at a bus stop shortly before 6 pm.

Dressed in his modified CRT uniform, the fallen officer approached the passenger side of the vehicle where career criminal Rivera was seated, while his partner engaged with ex-convict Lindy Jones, 41, who was behind the wheel.

Upon spotting a firearm, Diller ordered Rivera out of the car, leading to a fatal exchange of gunfire.

Despite repeated efforts to defuse the situation, the suspect fired a single shot, striking the officer in the stomach, just below his bulletproof vest.

“I’m shot!’’ Diller's voice can be heard on the bodycam video, as reported by the source. The distance separating the shooter and the late officer was reported to be no greater than 2 feet, according to the source.

Eyewitnesses describe the heart-wrenching encounter

"I saw the fire from the muzzle of the gun," shared a local resident. “[Diller] was crying and writhing in pain. He was just yelling. It was scary,” recounted the witness.

Witnesses recounted the chaos that ensued as the wounded officer's partner fired back, with bullets narrowly missing Jones and striking Rivera. Amid the turmoil, fellow officers rushed to Diller's aid, transporting him to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Another witness, Deon Peters, who operates a nearby real estate office, shared, "The partner was upset. He was crying for his boy. He was saying, ‘He got a kid, he got family.'” After his death, the officer was promoted to the rank of detective as a posthumous honor. 

Who are Guy Rivera and Lindy Jones?

Rivera, who had already been arrested 21 times and was found with a shiv concealed in his rectum at the time of Diller's shooting, led authorities to suspect that he and his accomplice were planning a robbery.

Jones, aged 41 with a history of at least 14 prior arrests, was apprehended following the shooting incident. Subsequently, police discovered a second firearm in the glove compartment and charged Jones accordingly.

“Detective Diller was shot and killed while trying to rid our streets of illegal weapons, a lawless act that was an affront to a civilized society,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz condemning the senseless act.

“His tragic death is a painful reminder that we must never let up in our quest to get these guns and those who use them off of our streets. Our thoughts are with Detective Diller’s family, friends and colleagues as they continue to grieve. We will seek justice for him,” reported New York Post.   

Widow pays tribute to fallen hero at funeral amidst NYPD's solidarity

At Diller's funeral, his widow, Stephanie, hailed him as a hero, surrounded by their young son, Ryan, as the NYPD pledged unwavering support to the grieving family.

“My husband died a hero,” she said. "But he also lived like one. Our world will never be the same, but I know I speak for everyone when I say I could not be more proud of him.”

“This family is going through a living nightmare that no family should have to go through,” the union chief mourned. “But they have our blue family now, who will be with them every step of the way.”

As the legal proceedings continue, Rivera and Jones remain detained without bail, facing a maximum prison sentence of life without parole and 30 years behind bars respectively, if convicted.