Officer Veckash Khedna delivered emotional testimony this week in a Queens courtroom during the murder trial of Guy Rivera, who is accused of fatally shooting Khedna’s partner, Officer Jonathan Diller, in March 2024. Khedna recounted the moments leading up to Diller’s death, describing the incident that occurred during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway.

Khedna testified that he, Diller, and Sgt. Sasha Rosen were investigating a Kia Soul parked suspiciously at a bus stop. He told jurors Diller ordered Rivera, a passenger, to exit the vehicle. Khedna observed Rivera reaching into his pocket, prompting Khedna to shout warnings. He then saw a gun in Rivera’s hand, which was allegedly pointed at Diller. Khedna recalled hearing gunshots, followed by Diller screaming in pain, dropping to his knees, and attempting to crawl away.

Through tears, Khedna told the court that Rivera subsequently pointed the firearm at Sgt. Rosen’s chest. Khedna made a split-second decision to discharge his weapon, striking Rivera. Khedna stated he believed Diller was dead, calling him "one of my best friends." He later recounted seeing Diller in the hospital, where he said his final goodbye before his partner passed away. After his testimony, Khedna’s wife was seen wiping away his tears outside the courtroom.

Body camera footage from the scene was played during the trial, capturing Diller’s cries of "I’m shot!" and Sgt. Rosen's panicked responses as officers realized the severity of Diller’s wounds. Rivera's defense attorney, Jamal Johnson, questioned Khedna about segments of the body camera footage that appeared to show Rivera smiling after the shooting. Khedna insisted that Rivera was indeed smiling multiple times, including while looking at Diller on the ground.

Officer Diller’s widow, Stephanie Diller, was present in the courtroom, reportedly leaving several times due to the distressing images shown to the jury. She had previously offered her own emotional testimony, recalling Diller being called into work on what was supposed to be his day off and their last conversation, in which he said, "I love you. I’ll see you soon."

Rivera, 35, faces a first-degree murder charge and could receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole if convicted. Authorities arrested Rivera and the vehicle’s driver, Lindy Jones, at the scene. Jones faces charges related to illegal gun possession. Prosecutors noted Rivera has 21 prior arrests, while Jones has at least 14, including for robbery, assault, and attempted murder. Police speculate the two were staking out a local business for an armed robbery before the shooting. Forensic experts testified that Rivera’s DNA was found on two weapons recovered at the scene: the .380-caliber handgun used in Diller's shooting and a 9mm pistol located in the vehicle’s glove compartment.