The GoFundMe for fallen Police Officer Jonathan Diller eclipsed more than $270,000 as investigators mull over whether his killers were planning a robbery when the cop interrupted them.
Diller’s death has seemingly struck a chord with thousands of people, as donation after donation poured in to aid with the funeral and memorial expenses. In less than 24 hours the campaign surpassed its $100,000 goal, reaching a staggering $150,000.
“Thank you everyone for your continued Donations. What started off as an attempt to put together 10,000 has exploded to over 10x that in less than a day. It’s almost overwhelming to see. The amount currently raised seems almost life changing, but unfortunately the only life changing part of this story is life that was lost. Every penny counts for the Diller family at this point, please keep spreading the word. Thank you,” fundraiser organizer Christopher Johnson wrote.
The GoFundMe’s goal was then extended to $250,000, and donors quickly blew past that total. The money will be distributed to Diller’s widow, Stephanie Diller, and their infant son.
Diller was gunned down in Far Rockaway on Monday after he approached two men parked in a bus lane. Sources familiar with the investigation report that cops are questioning why Guy Rivera, 34, and Lindy Jones, 41, has been illegally parked in the area.
Cops believe it is possible that the two suspects were allegedly casing a nearby storefront for a potential armed robbery or an individual when Diller approached and asked Rivera to step out of the vehicle.
However, Rivera allegedly ultimately refused and pulled out a gun he used to shoot the officer.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said that even after being shot, Dillier “stayed in the fight” and wrestled with Rivera until he was shot in the back by Diller’s partner and rushed to hospital, where the officer died of his injuries.
Police report both suspects have an extensive criminal history. Charges against them remain pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the NYPD is preparing for Diller’s funeral, which will take place this Saturday in Massapequa.
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