May 23, 2025

A defendant was convicted at trial of murder in the second degree and weapon possession this week for the vicious knife attack that claimed the life of Lieutenant Alison Russo, a 24-year veteran of the FDNY EMS.

The unprovoked attack occurred just steps from the victim’s stationhouse in Astoria in September 2022.

Lt. Alison Russo was a long-time public servant who cared deeply for the people of New York. She was posthumously promoted to rank of captain.

Our city continues to mourn a woman who saved countless lives as a member of the FDNY EMS and as a volunteer with her local ambulance company on Long Island.

I hope this conviction brings Lt. Russo’s family, friends and coworkers solace as we continue to grieve her loss.

My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A defendant pleaded guilty to attempted murder for shooting Police Officer Richard Yarusso in the lower chest area and assault for shooting Police Officer Christopher Abreu in the leg. The officers attempted to stop the defendant on June 3, 2024, for driving the wrong way on a one-way street without a helmet on an unregistered motorcycle in East Elmhurst.
• Michael Fan was convicted of burglary in the first degree, robbery in the first degree and other crimes for a violent attack in September 2022 on a Queens woman. The defendant failed to return to court before trial and was convicted in absentia. Anyone with information about Michael Fan is urged to call the NYPD Warrant Squad at 917-319-3780.
• A Glendale man was indicted on charges of assault in the first degree and other crimes for allegedly assaulting a 9-year-old girl and an off-duty police sergeant during apprehension.

AAPI Heritage Month Celebration

Our annual AAPI Heritage Month celebration at Queens College was filled with vibrant performances and inspiring speeches that highlighted the invaluable contributions of the AAPI community.

This event also provided a platform to honor community leaders and dedicated staff from my office: Somnath Ghimire of the GPK Foundation, the Glow Cultural Center, Assistant District Attorney Danielle Fenn and Sergeant Robby Chin.

The honorees' advocacy and dedication embody the spirit of our shared mission to keep this borough safe and thriving.

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding the remains of an unidentified female, found near the Gwen Ifill Park in Jamaica 31 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Celebrate Israel Day Parade

I joined the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, elected officials, community leaders and advocacy organizations for the annual Celebrate Israel Parade along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

This spectacular event, recognized as the world’s largest demonstration of support for the Jewish state and the Jewish community at large, brought together thousands of marchers, colorful floats, lively marching bands, and captivating musical performances.

VFW Post Resource Fair in Jamaica

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Proctor-Hopson Post #1896 has been serving veterans and families in South Jamaica since 1930.

Members of my Community Partnerships Division recently joined the post for a community resource fair, providing important information on programs offered to veterans living and working in Queens.

Happy and Safe Memorial Day!

Memorial Day allows the entire nation an opportunity to pause and reflect on the service members whose sacrifices help ensure our freedoms.

Yesterday at Elmhurst Park, I had the privilege of honoring Sergeant Corinne Alpert, Specialist Fourth Class Thomas Bullaro, PVC Emery A. Perry and Assistant District Attorney Felicia S. Thomas as part of our annual Memorial Day observance ceremony.

We also placed a memorial wreath to remember those no longer with us.

Wishing everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend.