April 3, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The defendant who shot and killed Detective Jonathan Diller was convicted this week of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, attempted murder in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon.

Defendant Guy Rivera faces a potential maximum sentence of 90 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on April 27. 

Detective Diller was a father, a husband and a son. He was also a dedicated member of the New York City Police Department who put on a uniform every day to protect our city.

On March 25, 2024, this defendant possessed two loaded handguns on a busy street in Far Rockaway. After shooting Detective Diller, Rivera pointed a firearm at the chest of NYPD Sergeant Sasha Rosen and pulled the trigger. Miraculously, the gun jammed and a mortally wounded Detective Diller wrestled the firearm away from the defendant.

We continue to express our deepest condolences to Detective Diller’s loved ones and our gratitude to the brave men and women of the NYPD who protect our city.



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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A Corona man was indicted on hate crime charges for yelling "F*ck Jews" and assaulting a rabbi as the victim walked on Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills. The defendant is accused of punching the 32-year-old rabbi in the chest and face in an unprovoked attack in January.
• A Woodhaven man was indicted on charges of animal cruelty and other crimes for killing his girlfriend's cat. The defendant allegedly held the cat by her head and legs and stretched the animal causing broken bones, a severed spine and several other injuries that resulted in the feline's immediate death. The District Attorney continues to advocate for stronger animal cruelty laws to ensure that perpetrators face consequences that truly match the severity of their actions.

Welcome to the Spring 2026 ADA Class

I had the pleasure of swearing in four new assistant district attorneys (left to right) Fred Yu, Mikaela Cordasco, Mia Wolosky and Benjamin Chesler, who make up the spring 2026 class of ADAs.

They will now start an intensive training program to become acquainted with every aspect of our office's operation and they will be well prepared to join us in our mission to keep our borough safe, while also ensuring a fairer criminal justice system for all.

Information Wanted

If you have any information about the shooting death of an unidentified woman who was killed inside Forest Park 27 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Illegal Cannabis Shop Shuttered

Continuing our commitment to padlock shops that illegally sell marijuana, my office worked in conjunction with the NYPD and the New York City Sheriff's Office to shutter a dispensary in Laurelton and seize more than 700 pounds of illicit cannabis.

These unregulated cannabis storefronts pose a serious threat to the safety of our community. Many of these operators deliberately package their products to mimic popular kids' candies. This is unacceptable.

A total of 345 shops in Queens County have been padlocked since May 2024 through these joint operations.

Hate Crime Prevention

My office hosted fellows from Commonpoint Central Queens for an educational session on hate crimes. The presentation included discussions on how these crimes are investigated and the challenges and misconceptions about reporting them.

Presenters at the event included Assistant District Attorney Michael Brovner, Chief of DA Katz’s Hate Crimes Bureau, and Vijah Ramjatan, the executive director of the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes.

If you believe you have been a victim, reach out to us at 718-286-7010.

Women's History Month Celebration

We marked Women's History Month, along with the Center for the Women of New York, by gathering with strong, motivated female leaders for our annual observance at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queens Borough Hall. The emcee for the event was award-winning journalist Chantee Lans of ABC7 Eyewitness News.

During the event we honored women who exemplify excellence in the community and in their professional roles. Those honorees included Kathryn Garcia, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the first woman to hold that position; and Simone-Marie L. Meeks, a community health advocate. Our final honoree was from within the DA's office -- Janet Helgeson, a senior deputy chief for the DA's Detective Bureau.

Join Us at the Library in Astoria

Meeting Queens residents where they live and gather, the DA’s Mobile Office provides a perfect opportunity to get the answers you need.

During a recent stop at the Middle Village library, members of the DA's staff met with the public, answered questions and provided information about available resources.

Come join us at the next stop at the Astoria library on Broadway on April 9.

Happy Easter

I extend my warmest wishes for a happy and blessed Easter to everyone celebrating the holiday this Sunday.

May your festivities be filled with joy, love and the hope of renewal!