NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller's alleged killer pleads not guilty at court appearance. Here's what happened.
NEW YORK -- The man charged with killing NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday in Queens.
Guy Rivera, 34, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder of a police officer, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon inside Queens Criminal Courthouse in Kew Gardens. He was held without bail. His next court date is on July 22.
More than a month after the deadly shooting, Diller's wife, Stephanie, came to court, surrounded by a sea of blue. Rivera appeared emotionless and did not look at the officers who showed up to support the family.
"We're here supporting the police officers behind us, and we're here for John," PBA President Patrick Hendry said outside the courthouse.
What happened during the deadly traffic stop?
The NYPD said Diller and his partner were conducting a traffic stop on March 25 in Far Rockaway when they repeatedly asked Rivera, a passenger in the vehicle, to roll down his window.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said the officers then opened the door, and Rivera shot Diller in the stomach, below his bullet-resistant vest. He was rushed to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
During Tuesday's court hearing, the DA said Rivera also aimed his gun at Diller's partner, but it jammed, and that he had a "second knife secreted in his rectum."
"He's a felon his whole life and what'd he have? He had a knife up his rectum. He's a violent person and he deserves behind bars and stay behind bars," Hendry said Tuesday.
Rivera was wounded in the shooting and spent days in the hospital. Authorities said he has an extensive criminal history with at least 27 prior arrests.
"He shouldn't have been back on the streets," Hendry said. "And he was emboldened to carry an illegal firearm. He was emboldened to have an accomplice with him in that car."
The driver of the car, Lindy Jones, pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of a weapon in the case. He is also being held without bail.
Jones is due back in court on June 12.
Remembering NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller
Diller came from a law enforcement family on Long Island and had been with the NYPD for three years. During his funeral, he was posthumously promoted to the rank of detective.
The 31-year-old grew up in Franklin Square before moving to Massapequa Park, where he left behind his wife and their 1-year-old son, Ryan.
"They lost a great police officer, a great man, great husband, great father, great son and just an all around great family man who loved being police officer, loved his family and just loved life," Hendry said.
Diller was remembered by his friends and follow officers as someone who put others before himself and made people smile.
After his death, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation offered to pay his family's mortgage, and hundreds of local pizzerias also showed their support.
