Story perspectives

Guy Rivera Gets 115-Year Sentence for Killing Detective

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

State Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise sentenced Guy Rivera to 115 years to life for aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder and weapon offenses.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said Rivera ignored lawful commands and used an illegal firearm to kill Detective Jonathan Diller.
Jonathan Diller’s widow Stephanie Diller, mother Fran Diller, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry praised the sentence as appropriate.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 a NYPD officer was slain in Queens, adding to a string of high-profile police killings that included Officer Edward Byrne in 1988. The case unfolded while New York’s criminal-justice system was still shaped by the 1972-1976 death-penalty moratorium and the 2004 ruling that declared the state’s death-penalty statute unconstitutional.

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Story summary

State Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise sentenced Guy Rivera to 115 years to life for aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder and weapon offenses.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said Rivera ignored lawful commands and used an illegal firearm to kill Detective Jonathan Diller.
Jonathan Diller’s widow Stephanie Diller, mother Fran Diller, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry praised the sentence as appropriate.

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