Queens man sentenced to 25 years to life for fatally stabbing FDNY EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo.

Peter Zisopoulos, a 37-year-old man, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the brutal stabbing murder of Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Emergency Medical Services Lieutenant Alison Russo. The incident occurred in September 2022, mere steps away from Russo’s EMS station in Astoria, Queens. A jury convicted Zisopoulos of second-degree murder and weapon possession after deliberating for less than an hour during the trial, which concluded in May 2025.

During the sentencing hearing, Zisopoulos appeared impassive while family members and colleagues of Russo expressed their grief and anger. Russo’s daughter, Danielle Fuoco, addressed Zisopoulos directly, condemning him as a coward and a monster. She emphasized the emotional toll that the loss of her mother has inflicted on her family and labeled Zisopoulos a danger to society.

On the day of the attack, Russo, who was 61 years old and on duty, was assaulted by Zisopoulos while in uniform. Surveillance footage revealed Zisopoulos knocking Russo to the ground and stabbing her numerous times with a serrated kitchen knife, causing fatal injuries to her liver, lungs, and heart. The assailant attempted to evade a good Samaritan who tried to intervene before fleeing to his apartment, where he was later apprehended by the police.

FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker expressed gratitude that justice had been served, stating that while the ruling cannot undo the tragedy, it symbolizes acknowledgment of the brutal crime. Russo served with the FDNY for 24 years and had been recognized for her dedication, including participation in search and recovery efforts post-September 11.

Zisopoulos mounted a defense claiming mental illness played a role in the attack, alleging that he was asleep at the time of the incident. His defense also suggested that the failure of the mental health system had contributed to his actions. District Attorney Melinda Katz remarked on Zisopoulos’ prior mental health struggles but firmly asserted that nothing could bring Russo back, and he posed a significant risk to others.

Following the verdict, Zisopoulos remained silent, declining to make a statement before the judge imposed the sentence. The court had previously ruled him unfit for trial but found him competent shortly before his hearing. Russo’s untimely death has resonated deeply within the community, painting a stark picture of the ongoing challenges surrounding mental health issues, public safety, and the devastating impacts of violence.

According to her colleagues, Russo was poised to retire shortly after her tragic death, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication that the FDNY will remember.