May 1, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Defendant Guy Rivera was sentenced to 115 years to life in prison this week for fatally shooting NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller and attempting to shoot and kill NYPD Sergeant Sasha Rosen in Far Rockaway in March 2024. 

A jury found the defendant guilty on April 1 of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, attempted murder in the first degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree following a three-week trial.

The defendant ignored repeated lawful commands and used an illegal firearm to kill a dedicated police officer. He then aimed the weapon at Sergeant Rosen and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed.

Jonathan Diller represented the very best of law enforcement: courage, commitment and service to community. He was a father, a husband and a son. He was also a dedicated member of the NYPD, who put on a uniform every day to protect our city.

This sentence ensures that the defendant will never be free to terrorize the streets of New York City again.

My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A teenager has been charged with murder and illegal possession of a weapon for allegedly shooting and killing a 15-year-old boy at Roy Wilkins Park. The defendant, 18, fled the country, and was apprehended at the airport after returning from the Caribbean.
• A motorist from the Bronx has been charged with reckless endangerment, riot and other crimes for participating in a chaotic car meetup on the border of Middle Village and Maspeth. The 22-year-old defendant allegedly performed dangerous, fiery stunts at a prominent intersection.
• The owner of a cleaning company was sentenced for wage theft and ordered to serve five years probation after paying $28,000 in restitution. That money will be returned to 30 victims. The defendant and his wife, who was part of the company, are also barred from incorporating any new entities in New York for five years.
• A 71-year-old man was charged with sexual abuse and other crimes for allegedly touching the genitals of a 6-year-old girl who was browsing in the toy aisle of a Jamaica department store. The defendant faces up to seven years in prison, if convicted.

Information Wanted

If you have any information about the death of Stevie Bates, whose remains were found buried on Cypress Avenue in Ridgewood six years ago -- eight years after she was last seen at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Street Co-Naming for Detective Anastasios Tsakos

This week I gathered with the family of fallen NYPD Detective Anastasios Tsakos, Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch and others to pay tribute to a hero. A street corner in Astoria was named in honor of Detective Tsakos on the fifth anniversary of his death. It was an honor to participate.

Detective Tsakos was on highway patrol when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. When we look up at this new sign, we will not remember the tragic way he died. We will remember the husband, father, son and dedicated member of the NYPD who served the people of Queens with pride.

Prayer Service and Brunch

I had the pleasure of joining Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman (below center) for a Prayer Service and Brunch at the Maranatha Baptist Church recently in Queens Village.

The gathering was a time of reflection, fellowship and unity to strengthen our relationships and reaffirm our commitment to serving those who live and work in Queens. I thank Assemblywoman Hyndman, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, State Senator John Liu and Council Member Nantasha Williams for their commitment to the people of this great borough. 

Illegal Scooter Seizures

We have not relented in our efforts to remove illegal and unregistered scooters from our neighborhood streets. Working with the 106th, 114th and 110th Precincts, Patrol Borough Queens North, Patrol Borough Queens South and the New York State Police, we recently confiscated 59 scooters and five motorcycles in Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Astoria and Corona.

Our office targets motorized vehicles that are either unregistered, stolen or parked illegally on the street, and in some instances on the sidewalk. The team also issued 36 parking summonses and one moving violation during the most recent operations. We have seized 1,400 scooters since the start of this initiative.

Denim Day

Every year we commemorate the Denim Day campaign during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This is a powerful reminder of the harmful misconceptions and attitudes surrounding sexual assault.

We wore denim to continue to stand in solidarity with the survivors and advocates who strive to make our world free from harassment and sexual violence.

QDA Mobile Office in Laurelton and More Stops to Come

Meeting Queens residents where they live and gather, the DA’s Mobile Office provides a perfect opportunity to get the answers you need. Our latest stop was at the Laurelton Library where QDA staff talked to residents and shared information about services and resources.

The next stops are at the Broad Channel Library on May 21 and the South Ozone Park branch on May 28.