New York, NY – Lindy Jones, an ex-convict implicated in the fatal shooting of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, appeared in Queens criminal court on Tuesday for arraignment. Jones, 41, faced multiple charges of criminal possession of a weapon in connection to the tragic March 25 incident where Diller was shot and killed during a confrontation.
The court ordered Jones to be held without bail as prosecutors disclosed new details about the case. According to reports, Jones was seated in a parked Kia Soul when a passenger, Guy Rivera, opened fire on police officers. Although the murder weapon jammed during the altercation, Jones was charged with possession of a 9mm pistol found in the vehicle.
Jones, whose street alias is “Killa,” could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, and an additional 15 years for a separate weapons charge from April 2023. Prosecutors revealed that Jones had admitted to police, “My name is Lindy Jones Jr. and I shoot people,” underscoring his criminal history with 14 prior arrests for offenses including robbery, assault, and attempted murder.
Rivera, 34, the alleged shooter, has a criminal record with 21 arrests and previously served time in state prison for a drug-related conviction. Diller, a 31-year-old father and a 3-year NYPD veteran, was fatally shot by Rivera during an encounter on Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway.
Following the shooting, Rivera aimed his gun at Sgt. Sasha Rosen, but the weapon jammed after firing the fatal shot that struck Diller. Prosecutors highlighted that this malfunction prevented further casualties. Rivera now faces charges of murder in the first and second degrees, attempted murder, and multiple weapon possession charges.
Diller’s funeral in Massapequa drew hundreds of uniformed officers, including a visit from former President Donald Trump. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the importance of removing illegal firearms from the streets and seeking justice for Detective Diller and his family.
Jones and Rivera are scheduled to appear in court for further proceedings, with Rivera possibly facing life imprisonment if convicted. The tragic incident has underscored the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the ongoing efforts to combat gun violence in the community.