A jury has convicted Guy Rivera of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree and attempted murder in the first degree for the fatal shooting of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller and the attempted shooting of Sgt. Sasha Rosen during a traffic stop in March 2024. Rivera was acquitted of the first-degree murder charge but found guilty of two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.
The jury initially announced a verdict on Wednesday but was sent back to deliberate after one juror dissented. The judge allowed them to reconsider a conviction for aggravated manslaughter, which requires intent to cause serious injury rather than premeditated murder. Rivera faces 20 years to life for manslaughter and life without parole for the attempted murder charge.
Background and Trial Details
Prosecutors argued that Rivera, in the passenger seat of a car, shot Diller through the window after being ordered to step out. The jury requested to review 18 minutes of synchronized surveillance and bodycam footage during deliberations. They also sought clarification on the five elements of the charges and whether they applied specifically to Diller.
Rivera has maintained his not guilty plea throughout the trial. The case has drawn significant attention due to the victim’s status as an NYPD detective and the high-profile nature of the shooting.