NEW YORK — The man accused of fatally capturing NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller has been charged with homicide, police say. Diller was shot and killed Monday throughout a site visitors cease in Far Rockaway, Queens.
Diller had been with the NYPD for 3 years and is remembered by fellow officers as a “cop’s cop” who put others earlier than himself and made individuals smile. The 31-year-old grew up in Franklin Square, the place neighbors mentioned he was the primary to volunteer to assist. He leaves behind a spouse and 1-year-old son.
Suspect in NYPD officer’s demise charged with homicide
Police say 34-year-old Guy Rivera, of Queens, is now charged with first-degree homicide of a police officer, tried homicide and felony possession of a weapon within the case. He stays hospitalized with accidents from the shootout.
“Police Officer Diller was a father, husband and son merely doing his job to serve and shield. He was killed for it. As alleged, the defendant opened hearth and took the officer’s life and tried to shoot one other member of the NYPD,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz mentioned in an announcement asserting the costs. “We is not going to relaxation till we now have achieved justice for Officer Diller, his household and his brothers and sisters within the NYPD who put their lives on the road to guard us.”
Wake held for fallen NYPD Officer Diller in Massapequa
The costs had been introduced simply hours earlier than Diller’s wake on Long Island. A skinny blue line is painted down Merrick Road within the coronary heart of Massapequa Park, the place blue ribbons will be seen throughout the group.
A relentless rain appeared to reflect the circulate of tears for a mindless lack of a young life.
At the Massapequa Funeral Home, family members, regulation enforcement and strangers got here to honor one in all New York’s best and help Diller’s spouse, who will now have to lift a 1-year-old and not using a dad.
“We’re going to be donating a share of raffles and funds acquired immediately to assist help the household throughout this tragic time,” mentioned Michael Fay, with the With Purpose Foundation.
“He’s just one years old and he will develop up and not using a dad, however he will have hundreds of dads which might be going to take care of him,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman mentioned.
Amid heavy safety, former President Donald Trump visited for a half hour, talking one-on-one with Diller’s spouse, Stepahnie, providing what observers referred to as phrases of consolation.
“Twenty-one instances arrested, this thug. And the person within the automobile with him was arrested many instances, and so they do not study as a result of they do not respect. They usually are not given the respect. The police are the best individuals we now have,” Trump mentioned. “We must cease it. We must get again to regulation and order. We must do plenty of issues in another way as a result of this isn’t working. This is going on too usually.”
CBS New York has discovered Trump had beforehand spoke with Diller’s widow by telephone. The White House mentioned President Joe Biden additionally shared his condolences with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the town’s police power.
The capturing by the hands of an alleged repeat offender with an intensive felony historical past has prompted outrage at New York’s felony justice legal guidelines.
“It’s insanely unhappy and it ought to have by no means occurred,” one mourner mentioned.
“What is sensible of this? It does not anymore, and you recognize what, guidelines and legal guidelines have gotten to vary. Nobody is making an attempt to search for a struggle. Let’s simply get a change. Let’s get in a room assume this factor out and make a change that is good for everyone,” Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder mentioned.
Among the mourners was Matt Panetta, Diller’s St. Mary’s High School lacrosse and hockey coach.
“He was well-liked among the many school, his friends. Outgoing, personable, humorous. Just an amazing child,” he mentioned. “A prankster however humorous in a great way, in a likeable method.”
Also providing solace was somebody who is aware of the ache too properly — the widow of NYPD officer Paul Tuozzolo, who was additionally killed in the road of obligation.
“When Paul was killed, a household surrounded me, my blue household surrounded me to be sure that my youngsters and I weren’t forgotten, and we’re all right here simply to do the identical for her,” Lisa Tuozzolo mentioned.
Earlier Thursday morning, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation introduced it should repay the mortgage on Diller’s home. The COP-SHOT organization additionally pledged $10,000 towards his son’s training, and the Promise of Hope Foundation mentioned it should cowl his funeral bills.
More than half one million {dollars} was additionally raised by a GoFundMe.
Thursday is the primary of two days of visitation, and site visitors is anticipated to be heavy. Another wake is scheduled for two to 4 p.m. and seven to 9 p.m. Friday at Massapequa Funeral Home, adopted by the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church.
