QUEENS, N.Y. — Peter Zisopoulos, 37, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the fatal stabbing of FDNY EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling, nearly three years after the random attack that took place while she was on duty in uniform.
Zisopoulos was convicted of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon following a 12-day trial that concluded with a jury verdict in under an hour. The sentencing on Monday closes a case that drew widespread attention due to the unprovoked nature of the attack and the victim’s long service with the Fire Department.
On September 29, 2022, Russo-Elling, 61, was walking to a nearby food store during her lunch break when Zisopoulos left his apartment, charged at her, and stabbed her more than 20 times in the chest and abdomen, puncturing vital organs, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. A nearby scooter driver’s attempt to intervene led Zisopoulos to briefly chase him before returning and walking calmly back into his building.
Key Points
- Peter Zisopoulos sentenced to 25 years to life for stabbing EMS lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling in 2022
- Russo-Elling, in uniform and on duty, was randomly attacked during a lunch break in Queens
- Jury took less than an hour to convict Zisopoulos after a 12-day trial
Police arrested Zisopoulos at his apartment following a brief standoff. Authorities recovered a knife from his pocket with DNA evidence linking it to both the defendant and the victim.
Russo-Elling was five months from retirement at the time of her death, ending a 25-year career with the FDNY.
Zisopoulos’ conviction and sentencing mark the conclusion of a high-profile case that shocked the city’s emergency services community.