A jury reached a verdict Wednesday night in the case of Guy Rivera, 36, accused in the fatal shooting of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller. Rivera was acquitted of the top charge of first-degree murder but was convicted on lesser charges, including aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder of Diller’s partner, and weapons offenses.

The Shooting and Arrest

The shooting occurred two years ago outside a cell-phone store in Queens. Officers were investigating a suspicious vehicle when Rivera shot Officer Diller. Rivera also had a gun pointed at a police sergeant’s chest before another officer shot and wounded him, according to authorities. The incident was captured on bodycam footage.

Rivera, a passenger in a Kia Soul, was arrested at the scene along with the driver, Lindy Jones. Officer Diller was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Emotional Testimony and Courtroom Drama

During the trial, Stephanie Diller, the slain officer’s widow, attended the Queens courtroom surrounded by dozens of police officers. She repeatedly covered her ears during the playing of bodycam videos depicting her husband’s death.

Several officers, including NYPD officer Veckash Khedna, who shot Rivera, provided tearful testimony detailing Diller’s final moments. Rivera’s mother was also present, sobbing as the bodycam footage was shown.

Defense and Prosecution Arguments

Defense attorney Jamal Johnson attempted to shift blame onto the other officers at the scene, arguing they had a “motive to lie.” He claimed the officers were “dishonest” during the stop that led to the shooting.

Prosecutors countered that the trial focused on Rivera’s actions, stating the jury heard “almost 30 witnesses” and reviewed “videos, forensics.” They accused the defense of attempting to discredit the police rather than addressing the defendant’s actions.