Career criminal Guy Rivera pleads not guilty to murdering NYPD officer Jonathan Diller in front of victim's teary family and colleagues

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. 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.

Judge Michael Aloise remanded Rivera in custody and ordered him to return to court on July 22

Wife of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller wipes away tears at the footsteps of the Queens Court house

Devastated family and colleagues of the killed cop stand for a press conference after the hearing

‘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 grieve. We will seek justice for him.’

The Queens County District Attorney’s office has filed a motion to have the defendant’s legal counsel removed from the case due to potential conflict with witnesses.

Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association union, was among those in attendance at the hearing.

Diller's family were in tears as the union president gave a speech outside on the courthouse steps.

He said: ‘We hope that this vicious, violent cop killer took a good look at the crowd in the courtroom because he is going to see us every time he comes to court.

‘This vicious individual wasn't afraid to prey on New Yorkers, because nothing happened to him.

‘He was arrested a dozen times in and out of prison, back on the streets. He shouldn't have been back on the streets and he was emboldened to carry an illegal firearm.’

He added: ‘They [Rivera and Jones] were getting together to figure out how they were going to commit their next crime and they thought they were going to get away with it.

‘But they didn't count on our hero, police officer Jonathan Diller, to go into that scene and fight to get that gun away from him.

‘And he fought to the end, even though he was shot. I got a message for every violent recidivist out there. If you attack one of us, you attack all of us.’

Following Rivera's arrest, it emerged that he has a lengthy criminal history including first degree robbery, illegal gun possession and assaults.

He had 21 prior arrests and previously served five years in prison on drug charges before being paroled in 2021.

Officer Diller lived with his wife Stephanie and their one-year-old son (pictured) in Massapequa Park on Long Island in New York City 

Guy is pictured in the Queens court this morning

Neighbors heard shots ring out at 5:50 pm, less than two blocks from the NYPD's 101st Precinct stationhouse before seeing the fatally injured officer lying in the street

Accused NYPD cop killer Guy Rivera has a long rap sheet of 21 arrests including one last April for gun charges, police confirmed

Rivera had also been incarcerated from 2011 to 2014 over a first-degree assault charge. The driver of the car, Lindy Jones, 41, was also found to have a criminal background.

Jones had 14 prior arrests, including a conviction for attempted murder and robbery in 2003 that saw him serve 10 years behind bars.

He had been arrested on gun charges last April, but was released on a $75,000 bail that was set to bring him back to court Monday.

Following Jones' April arrest, where he was caught with a loaded firearm, Mayor Adams said that he was a prime example of a 'recidivist problem' - meaning a small number of perpetrators committing a large number of crimes.

'Same bad people doing bad things to good people,' Adams added.

Diller leaves behind his wife of six years, Stephanie, and their one-year-old son.

A GoFundMe set up for his family has already amassed more than $1million since it was set up just hours ago. 

His brother-in-law Jonny Mac vowed to take care of Diller's son in his absence. 

'What started out as an everyday car stop, instantly became a moment where so many lives would be turned upside down. Jon leaves behind a wife and a one year old son who will now grow up without his father. 

'To those of you out there in the streets, it can be so easy to become wrapped into the moment. 

'To think horrible events like this can't happen to you. To become focused on making that next arrest or racing to the action. Remember those who love you at those moments. 

'Jon, there are no words to describe how devastated we are that you are gone. You were a good man and a great father whose shoes can never be filled. I swear to you that I will look after your son as if he were my own. For the rest of my life.'