Our hero brother Jonathan Diller’s family has been living a nightmare for two years.
Now, after three agonizing weeks spent reliving the worst parts of that nightmare over and over in a courtroom, they are devastated once again.
Every New York City police officer is devastated, too.
There is no doubt in our minds that this individual murdered our brother.
He should have been convicted of murder in the first degree.
Every decision he made that day put New Yorkers and police officers in mortal danger.
He decided to bring illegal guns onto our streets.
When police officers confronted him while he was in possession of those illegal guns, he could have just surrendered.
He saw those NYPD uniforms, and he didn’t care who was wearing them. He decided to squeeze that trigger and take a hero police officer’s life.
His conviction on aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder and weapons charges — with a possible sentence of 90 years to life — delivers some justice for Jonathan and his family, but it can’t give them full closure.
This Sunday, while many families are gathering to celebrate Easter, Jonathan will not be at the table with his family.
His wife, Stephanie, will never see her husband again. His son, Ryan, will reach all of life’s milestones without his father by his side to guide him.
All because of the actions of a repeat offender who had no business being on the streets of Far Rockaway, Queens.
This cold-blooded killer, who has no regard for human life, must never be allowed to set foot on our streets again.
His story must end with him spending the rest of his life in prison.
But Jonathan Diller’s story cannot and will not end here.
He was the essence of what it means to be a cop, a protector to the very end.
With his last ounce of strength, he took the gun from his killer’s hand and pushed it away, saving the lives of his brothers in blue.
He will be remembered as one of the best to ever wear our uniform.
No matter what the verdict reads, we will not stop telling his true story, and we will not stop fighting for justice in his name.
Patrick Hendry is the president of the NYC Police Benevolent Association.
