Peter Zisopoulos, 37, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the brutal murder of New York City Fire Department EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling.
The sentencing followed his conviction of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the shocking, unprovoked attack that occurred nearly three years ago.
The Crime That Shook the Community
On September 29, 2022, Russo-Elling, a 61-year-old first responder, was just months away from retirement when she was randomly attacked while walking to a nearby food store during her lunch break.
Zisopoulos, who did not know the victim, left his apartment building and “raced” toward Russo-Elling, shoved her to the ground, and began repeatedly stabbing her with a kitchen knife. He stabbed her more than 20 times, penetrating her liver, lungs, and heart…