Driver involved in shooting death of NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller sentenced to 5 years

The driver involved in the deadly 2024 shooting of NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller was sentenced Tuesday in Queens to five years in prison and five years of supervised release.

Prosecutors said Lindy Jones was behind the wheel in March 2024 when his passenger, Guy Rivera, shot and killed Diller during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway. 

When officers approached the vehicle, Jones ignored orders to unlock the doors, and Rivera opened fire.

While Jones wasn't the shooter, a search of his car uncovered a loaded, defaced 9 mm handgun inside the glove compartment.

Diller, 31, was a police officer at the time of the shooting. He was posthumously promoted to detective.

Lindy's sentencing marks the final legal chapter in a case that devastated the city and the NYPD.  

Driver pleads guilty to weapons charge

Jones accepted a plea deal in June and was convicted of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said the deal ensures he will be held accountable, while sparing Diller's widow and family the agony of sitting through another trial.

"The fact that he admitted it, the fact that he is going to jail for it, sends a very clear message to not carry guns on the streets of New York City. You will be held accountable for it," Katz said.

"Today is for this family to try to heal going forward," Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said.

The defense asked the judge to consider a lighter three-year sentence, but he declined.

"Mr. Jones took responsibility for what he knew about, a gun in the glove box of the car he was driving. The balance of this sad situation comes down to mere proximity. Mr. Jones had no intent, desire or knowledge that any member of the NYPD would be injured by Guy Rivera. Mr. Jones has expressed sincere condolences to Officer Diller's family," defense attorney Michael Horn said.

Det. Diller's family speaks through their pain in court

"Not a day passes without me thinking about my brother and missing him," Jason Diller said.

"Since losing him, there has been a void in my heart that can never be filled," sister Jennifer Diller-Lienhop said. "While Lindy Jones did not pull the trigger that killed my brother, he should still be held accountable."

"I hope that every day you are in prison, you think about my brother, Jonathan, and the life that was stolen," Diller-Lienhop added.

As the legal chapter closes, the family said the loss of their brother, son, husband and father will remain with them forever.

"I hope we find strength to honor his memory, carry on his name, and live in a way that would make him proud," Diller-Lienhop said.

Shooter sentenced to life in prison

Rivera was convicted of several charges in April, including aggravated manslaughter. He was acquitted of the most serious charge, first-degree murder. He was sentenced to 115 years to life in prison.

Rivera was also found guilty of attempted murder for trying to shoot NYPD Sgt. Sasha Rosen, who was with Diller at the time.