Career criminal Guy Rivera pleads not guilty to murdering NYPD ... trends now
The man accused of fatally shooting NYPD officer Jonathan Diller pleaded not guilty to murder as he faced the victim’s devastated family and colleagues in court.
Guy Rivera, 34, who had a cast around his right hand, appeared in Queens Supreme Criminal Court on Tuesday where he was arraigned on charges including first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder.
Diller was allegedly gunned down by Rivera on March 25 during a routine traffic stop on an illegally parked car in Far Rockaway and he was shot in the stomach.
The police officer’s wife, mother, family and colleagues flooded the courtroom for the arraignment in which prosecutor John Kosinski claimed Rivera admitted to hiding a knife in his rectum after he was apprehended.
Judge Michael Aloise remanded Rivera in custody and ordered him to return to court on July 22.
Guy Rivera, 34, who had a cast around his right hand, appeared in Queens Supreme Criminal Court on Tuesday where he was arraigned on charges including first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder charges
Officer Jonathan Diller, 31, of New York's 105th precinct was just three years into the job
Horrific surveillance footage captured the moment Diller writhed in agony on the streets after he was shot.
Rivera allegedly opened fire on Diller after he ordered the suspect to get out of the car. In the video, three loud gunshots are heard ringing out as bystanders flee for safety.
'I'm hit!' Diller is heard yelling, while onlookers sprinted from the sound of gunshots. As the footage continues, Diller is heard screaming in pain.
Despite being shot, Diller heroically moved the gun away from the shooter after it was dropped on the ground.
The officer was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Rivera was also wounded in the shooting and spent days in hospital where prosecutors claim he admitted to concealing a knife in his rectum.
He pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Rivera faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.
His co-defendant Lindy Jones, 41, the driver of the car, was arraigned April 16 on charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees.
He was remanded into custody and faces up to 30 years in prison. He is due back in court on June 12.
Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz said: ‘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.
‘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.
‘We are grateful that the grand jury returned serious charges against the defendant. Our thoughts are with Detective Diller’s family, friends and colleagues as they continue to
