The brutal murder of FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo has finally seen justice, as the man accused of her senseless stabbing has been found guilty of her murder. Peter Zisopoulos, 37, was convicted of second-degree murder and weapon possession after a swift deliberation by the jurors in Queens Supreme Court.
During the trial, Zisopoulos showed no emotion as prosecutors played gruesome footage of the attack, where he ruthlessly stabbed Russo 20 times during her lunch break in September 2022. The verdict brought closure to Russo’s family, who have been grieving her loss since the tragic incident.
Russo’s brother, Craig Fuoco, expressed his relief at the conviction, stating that while nothing can erase the pain of losing Alison, the family is ready to start healing and keeping her memory alive. Zisopoulos, of Astoria, will face a sentence of 25-years-to-life in prison at his sentencing on June 30.
The attack on Russo was a horrifying act of violence, with Zisopoulos attacking her in broad daylight while she was on duty in her uniform. The assailant knocked her to the ground and proceeded to stab her multiple times in the chest and abdomen, including her lungs, liver, and heart.
Despite the brutal attack, bystanders attempted to intervene, but Zisopoulos chased them away before circling back to Russo as she lay bleeding on the sidewalk. He then fled to his apartment, where he was arrested after a brief standoff with the police.
Throughout the trial, Zisopoulos provided inconsistent responses about the attack, presenting multiple alibis for his whereabouts during the murder. The serrated knife used in the attack was found in his possession with DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed her condolences for Russo’s family and colleagues, highlighting her dedication to serving the people of New York. FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker also paid tribute to Russo, calling her a hero and a source of inspiration to all who knew her.
While the verdict will not bring Alison Russo back, it serves as a form of closure for her family and friends. Her memory will continue to live on through the legacy of her service and dedication to her community.
