A man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after fatally stabbing an FDNY paramedic in an unprovoked attack. This incident involved the tragic murder of Captain Allison Russo, a 9/11 hero, which occurred in 2022.
Peter Gisopoulos, 37, was found guilty of second-degree murder last month. Following the verdict, a judge handed down a significant sentence, emphasizing the gravity of his crime.
“Thank God,” said Daniel Russo, the daughter of the victim, when speaking to reporters after the sentencing.
She expressed hope that her mother was watching and would be proud of how she handled the situation: “I hope she can see what we’re doing and what’s going on for her.”
On September 29, 2022, Russo, 61, was merely grabbing lunch when Gisopoulos approached her unexpectedly. He suddenly ran toward her while she was unaware of his intentions, and he attacked her in the street.
After the assault, he fled back to the apartment he shared with his mother, having scared off a bystander who tried to help Russo.
Another bystander quickly sought assistance at a nearby EMS station, leading to Gisopoulos’s swift arrest.
A Queens judge found him guilty after a 12-day trial concluded on May 19.
City Fire Chief Robert Tucker remarked on Russo’s commitment as a civil servant, emphasizing how she had been overlooked in the wake of her tragic death. “This sentence highlights the severity of his actions. While it won’t bring her back, I hope it provides some closure to her family,” he stated.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz also reiterated that Russo wouldn’t be forgotten, honoring her legacy as a hero. She noted Russo’s efforts in the aftermath of 9/11 and expressed hope that with the sentencing, the pain of her loss might lessen.
Daniel Russo acknowledged the ongoing struggle of living with this tragedy. However, she found comfort in the support of her loved ones. “I couldn’t ask for anything more. They basically carried me through this process,” she shared.
