Ex-con charged with killing Jonathan Diller won’t testify — as footage shows NYPD officer’s final moments

The trial of Guy Rivera, the ex-con accused of fatally shooting NYPD cop Jonathan Diller, took a dramatic turn as prosecutors rested their case on Friday. Rivera, who is facing first-degree murder and attempted murder charges, chose not to take the stand in his defense. The prosecution presented heartbreaking footage showing Diller’s final moments, with the officer gasping for air as his colleagues urged him to stay conscious.

Diller, a 31-year-old father of one, was shot during a traffic stop in 2024. The video footage played in court captured the chaos that ensued, with Diller screaming in pain after being shot. Rivera was seen getting out of the car and assuming a shooting stance before being taken down by officers.

Despite his attorney showing pictures of injuries Rivera sustained during the incident and arguing for a lesser included offense of criminally negligent homicide, prosecutors maintained that there was no evidence of negligence in the shooting. The trial has been marked by emotional testimonies from Diller’s widow, Stephanie, and his NYPD partner, Det. Veckash Khedna.

The courtroom was filled with tears as Khedna recounted the moment he saw Diller lying on the ground, unresponsive. “I’m thinking he’s dead. I started crying. One of my best friends is dead,” he testified.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday, after which the jury will begin deliberations. If convicted, Rivera could face life in prison without parole. The trial has shed light on the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the devastating impact of violence on their families and colleagues. Diller has been remembered as a hero officer and dedicated family man, while Rivera’s actions have raised questions about the accountability of individuals with a history of criminal behavior.