Case of man accused of fatally stabbing FDNY EMS member Alison Russo heads to court
Briefly

Alison Russo, a 61-year-old FDNY EMS lieutenant, was tragically murdered in an unprovoked attack by Peter Zisopoulos in Astoria, Queens, on September 29, 2022. Zisopoulos, who has a history of schizophrenia, allegedly stabbed Russo more than 20 times. Surveillance footage captured the attack. As legal proceedings progress, the defense might focus on Zisopoulos’s mental health. Russo, a respected community member and volunteer EMT, was on duty when the fatal attack occurred, emphasizing the risks faced by emergency responders in urban settings.
Alison Russo, a dedicated FDNY EMS lieutenant, was fatally stabbed in an unprovoked attack, raising concerns about public safety and mental health treatment.
The tragic murder of Russo, a beloved community figure, brings into focus the complexities of mental health issues in public safety encounters.
Peter Zisopoulos, charged with second-degree murder, may use his schizophrenia diagnosis as a defense in the upcoming trial as proceedings continue.
This shocking incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by emergency responders and the pressing need for comprehensive mental health reforms.
Read at Newsday
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