Murder Trial of Peter Zisopoulos

During the murder trial on Friday, Peter Zisopoulos, accused of fatally stabbing Li, gave an unsettling performance while in the witness stand.

The 36-year-old stared intensely at the audience in the Queens Supreme Court, where many EMS staff members were visibly emotional.

“It might look like a picture from my past,” Zisopoulos remarked as he seemed to show a wild demeanor in response to the harrowing video evidence.

The suspect denied being the individual seen in the footage, although he admitted that the location of the brutal 2022 attack seemed “a little” familiar.

In the video, Zisopoulos could be seen entering an Astoria apartment. However, when questioned about whether the attacker had access to the unit he shared with his mother, he responded, “I don’t know.”

Amid the trial proceedings, Russo-Elling’s daughter was visibly upset as two graphic videos were presented.

As Zisopoulos’s inconsistencies became evident during his testimony, the courtroom audience expressed frustration. For instance, he claimed he was asleep in his apartment when 61-year-old Russo-Elling was murdered on her lunch break, which occurred just half a block from the station house on September 29, 2022.

Prosecutors countered his claims, noting that Zisopoulos had spoken with police a year after the incident and claimed to have been watching “Star Wars.” He referred to the attack’s footage as being “framed” against him.

He provided contradictory accounts to police about his activities that day, ultimately admitting he told different people different things, including his supposed viewing of the news versus watching a movie.

When questioned about an injury to his hand on the day of the crime, Zisopoulos floundered in his explanations.

In the courtroom, he asserted he was restrained by officers after hesitating to open the door. “I didn’t answer because I don’t trust them. The police are really mean to me,” he claimed, describing a chaotic scene involving SWAT.

Prosecutors highlighted inconsistencies in his account, revealing that he previously informed officers about a past injury to his hand that had reopened.

Serkowe, the prosecutor, pressed him on the fact he had a knife in his pocket and pointed out that it was obvious he understood the implications of police entering with him possessing a weapon.

Zisopoulos’s lawyers attempted to have the case dismissed, arguing that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence to prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. This motion was quickly rejected.

Deliberations by the judges are set to begin on Monday.

“I can’t believe this guy has the nerve to deny everything when the evidence is so clear,” Russo, the victim’s daughter, expressed after the court session. “It’s truly a shame he’s still out here.”

She reflected on the weekend break, hoping to return Monday to witness justice for her family. “Hopefully, he’ll never experience the freedom outside again,” she added. “It’s disheartening to see someone so detached from the reality of his actions.”

Russo conveyed her sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the impact of Russo-Elling’s life and contributions.