A man convicted in the 2024 shooting death of a New York City police officer has been sentenced to 115 years to life in prison. Guy Rivera, 36, was sentenced Monday in a Queens courtroom after being found guilty of aggravated manslaughter and other charges in the killing of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller. The judge, Michael Aloise, stated Rivera would 'most certainly die in a prison cell.'
The shooting occurred on March 25, 2024, during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. Authorities say Rivera, a passenger in a vehicle, pulled out a gun and shot Diller, who was not wearing a bulletproof vest in the area struck. Another officer then shot and wounded Rivera. Diller, 31, was the first NYPD officer killed in the line of duty in two years.
Prosecutors argued Rivera’s actions were intentional, while the jury acquitted him of first-degree murder. The case drew national attention, including remarks from President Donald Trump, who praised Diller during a 2025 speech. Diller’s widow, Stephanie, described the loss as a 'life sentence of grief.'
The sentencing hearing was emotional, with Diller’s family and uniformed officers present. Judge Aloise acknowledged their pain but emphasized Rivera’s actions sealed his fate. The case has been cited in discussions about law enforcement safety and criminal justice policies.