The man convicted of killing a New York City police detective was sentenced to 115 years to life in prison on Monday.
The turnout was so high that the sentence had to be moved to the largest courtroom in Kew Gardens, Queens.
Guy Rivera appeared before a judge and heard his fate after being found guilty on various charges in the deadly shooting of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller.
Although he was acquitted of the primary murder allegation, Rivera was sentenced to more than 100 years in prison.
The judge listened to victim impact statements from Detective Diller’s widow, mother, and stepmother. “Every moment reminds me of that day when my life changed forever,” said widow Stephanie Diller. “Our son, Ryan, suffered the greatest loss. He’ll grow up without his father. He will grow up without Jonathan’s constant protection, counsel, and affection.”
According to his mother, she feels empty inside. Fran Diller said, “For 31 years, I had the privilege and honor of being Jonathan’s mother before my youngest child was cruelly taken from me.”
Prosecutors read a statement from Diller’s partner.
When asked to address Diller’s family, friends, and law enforcement colleagues, Rivera responded, “No, your honor.”
Rivera was following the advice of his counsel. “I have advised Mr. Rivera not to make any comments as a result of the appeal issues,” said defense attorney Jamal Johnson.
Johnson requested the judge for a reduced sentence. He requested that he be sentenced to the bare minimum on each count, rather than receiving a sensational amount of time. The judge responded, “Your sentence to me was determined the second you pulled that trigger and attempted to kill Detective Rosen.”
“The judge sentenced him to 115 years to life in prison.” There was no conviction for first-degree murder, but 115 years to life in prison provides justice for the Diller family,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
Katz praised the judge’s ruling with prosecutors and New York City PBA President Patrick L Hendry. “This sentence conveyed the correct message,” Hendry said. “He should never walk the streets again.” “He will not.”
Rivera declined to testify in his own trial. The jury returned a mixed decision, finding him not guilty of murder but guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder, and two counts of criminal possession of a firearm.
Throughout the three-week trial, prosecutors claimed Rivera pulled out a concealed handgun and purposely shot Diller during a routine police check in Queens, choosing to defy lawful orders.
Rivera’s lawyers contended that he did not target Diller and that the shot was unintentional, which was a significant part in prosecutors’ case for a first-degree murder conviction.
The second suspect in the case, Lindy Jones, is currently awaiting trial.