A Queens man has been found guilty in the chilling, unprovoked murder of veteran EMT Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, a 9/11 first responder brutally stabbed while walking to grab food just steps from her station in 2022.
On Monday, 37-year-old Peter Zisopoulos was convicted of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon for the fatal attack on the 61-year-old EMS lieutenant. Prosecutors say Zisopoulos now faces 25 years to life in prison, with sentencing set for June 30.
Russo-Elling, a dedicated public servant for over two decades and one of the early responders at Ground Zero was in uniform and nearing retirement when she was senselessly attacked. Surveillance footage showed she was ambushed near a Queens deli by Zisopoulos, who fled to his apartment after the stabbing and barricaded himself inside until his arrest.
Authorities confirmed that there was no known connection between the two. The defense had cited Zisopoulos’ long-standing mental health issues, reportedly dating back to 2018.
In the wake of the conviction, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “We hope this verdict offers some comfort to Alison’s loved ones and colleagues as we mourn her devastating loss.”
To honor her legacy, Russo-Elling was posthumously promoted to captain, a symbolic tribute to her courage and lifelong commitment to saving others.
