The body of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was shot to death in Queens on Monday afternoon, left the Chief Medical Examiner’s office in Kips Bay Tuesday evening as his family and colleagues prepare for their final goodbyes.
Hundreds of cops lined the streets along 30th Street and 1st Avenue at around 5 p.m. on March 26 as they waited for Diller’s remains to emerge. Helmed by police brass, including Commissioner Edward Caban, the officials stood to attention and offered a solemn salute as their fallen brother was wheeled out of the office draped in NYPD colors.
Led by a motorcade, Diller was driven to Massapequa Park in Nassau County, where he lived with his wife and 1-year-old baby. The NYPD and family members are currently making preparations for his wake, which will be held at the Massapequa Funeral Home South Chapel on Thursday and Friday, while the funeral Mass itself will be taking place on Saturday at the St. Rose of Lima R.C Church.
Diller, who was a member of the Patrol Borough Queens South Community Response Team, was tragically gunned down on March 25 after confronting two men illegally parked in a bus lane in Far Rockaway. He suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen, striking him just below his bulletproof vest.
Police sources reported that two suspects connected to the killing, Guy Rivera, 34, and Lindy Jones, 41, both have extensive criminal histories, reigniting debates regarding recidivism in the Big Apple. Charges against the pair remain pending as of Tuesday evening while police continue their investigation.
“This is what you call not a crime problem; a recidivist problem,” Mayor Adams said soon after Diller was pronounced dead. “The same bad people doing the same bad things to good people. Less than a year, he’s back on the streets with another gun.”
Queens Council Mmeber Robert Holden also joined the charge seeking a crackdown on recidivist criminals.
“Our failed laws let someone with 21+ priors roam free, leading to this tragedy. It’s outrageous! We demand urgent reform,” Holden wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“My heart hurts for a young widow and family that lost their loved one tonight. PO Diller woke up today & left home with an intention to protect & serve, but most of all return home,” Selvena Brooks-Powers also wrote on X.
NYPD police officers are now wearing a black band over their shields as they begin the morning process.
