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Page 3 & 10 VOL. 71 NO. 13
APRIL 8 - 14, 2026
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Manslaughter verdict in NYPD Diller’s death By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
File photo courtesy of Oyster Bay Town
Stephanie Diller, wife of Police Officer Jonathan Diller, announced a scholarship in her husband’s name last year to honor his memory,
Deliberations in the trial of the man accused of killing NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller were thrown into confusion Wednesday April 1 after a juror rejected an announced verdict in open court, forcing the panel back to resume discussions. The eight men and four women jurors had indicated to the court that they reached a verdict after roughly four hours of deliberations in the case against 35-year-old Guy Rivera, an ex-convict
charged in connection with Diller’s 2024 killing during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. In court, the foreperson initially read a split verdict, finding Rivera not guilty of first-degree murder but guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. But when Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise directed that the jury be polled individually, Juror No. 5 responded “No” when asked if the announced verdict was CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
“Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge draws more than 600 to TOBAY Beach By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
TOBAY Beach turned into a hub of high-energy fundraising and icy determination on the morning of March 28 as more than 600 participants took the plunge during the 13th annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics New York. Despite temperatures in the 30s and Atlantic waters hovering around 40 degrees, “plungers” from across the region gathered in support of year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. According to Special Olym-
pics New York Director of De- ticipants to the beach and joined velopment Rein the plunge becca Hoffman, himself, offerthe event raised ing remarks $140,000 this before entering year. the water. “We love Leading the fundraising efyou, we appreciate you, and fort was CSEA Region 1, which I’ll be going in the water with contributed $30,000, followed you,” Saladino said. “I just by the Nassau County Police want to let you know that OysDepartment’s ter Bay is the 3rd Precinct with best Town in $18,567. America, beOyster Bay Town Supervisor Oyster Bay Town Supervisor cause of every resident, every Joseph Saladino Joe Saladino union member, welcomed par-
every friend, every visitor, every cop.” The event coincided with Saladino’s 65th birthday, which was marked on-site with a cake presentation from Hoffman and the event’s Polar Plunge mascot. Joining the Supervisor in the water were Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier, whose Jersey
Mike’s location served as one of the event’s sponsors. Also in attendance were Town Councilmen Tom Hand and Lou Imbroto, and Town Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato, who remained dry while showing support from the shoreline. The Nassau County Police Department’s Bureau of Special Operations led participants into the CONTINUED ON PAGE 17