Antonio Russo was a 17-year-old teenager from Brooklyn, New York, at the time of the murder of Mark Fisher. Very little is publicly available about Russo’s early life, family background, or education prior to his arrest. However, at the time of the crime, Russo was reportedly associated with a local gang known as the "Ghetto Mafia," a street group described in court as cultivating a dangerous reputation rooted in violence, loyalty, and dominance.

Though details about his upbringing are scarce, Russo was seen within the social circle of John Giuca — the host of the after-hours party that Mark Fisher unknowingly walked into that night. Witnesses described Russo as someone known to carry a .22-caliber handgun and who acted impulsively. His presence at Giuca’s party and his quick disappearance afterward — including the sudden decision to cut off his trademark dreadlocks and flee to California — suggested a young man fully aware of the severity of what had occurred.

On the night of October 11, 2003, Fairfield University sophomore Mark Fisher went out drinking with friends in Manhattan. In a twist of fate, he ran into fellow student Angel DiPietro and followed her to a Brooklyn house party hosted by John Giuca. Giuca, who couldn't enter the bar, invited the group back to his home. Mark agreed and left Manhattan, unknowingly stepping into what would be the final hours of his life.

Also at the party was Antonio Russo, a 17-year-old known for gang associations. Witnesses testified that Giuca became irritated when Fisher sat on a table. What followed in the next few hours was a murky series of events that ended in Fisher being beaten and shot five times in the chest, side, and back. His body was found on Argyle Road at around 6:40 a.m. on October 12, 2003. He was wrapped in a bloody yellow blanket traced back to Giuca’s home, his shirt was torn, and his wallet was discovered in a nearby sewer.

Russo quickly became a prime suspect when phone records showed he and Giuca had exchanged 26 calls in the 24 hours after the murder, despite previously not being close. Shortly after, Russo cut off his hair and fled to California, where he stayed until his arrest.

On November 23, 2004 — over a year after Fisher’s death — Russo was arrested and indicted on two counts of second-degree murder, three counts of robbery, and weapons charges.

In September 2005, Russo and Giuca were tried together with separate juries. Prosecutors presented evidence that the motive was rooted in gang credibility — that Fisher, a “rich white kid,” was an easy and appealing target for street respect. Witnesses testified that Giuca provided the gun and instructed Russo to kill. Russo was accused of ambushing Fisher outside Giuca’s home, attacking and shooting him. After the murder, Russo allegedly returned the weapon to Giuca with the words, "It’s done."

Russo initially blamed Giuca for the killing, claiming Giuca pulled the trigger. Despite this claim, Russo was convicted of second-degree murder on October 19, 2005, after a two-day jury deliberation. He was sentenced to 25 years to life.

Years later, in March 2018 — amidst mounting appeals and legal battles surrounding Giuca’s conviction — Russo confessed to killing Fisher and claimed the gun used was his. The confession reignited debates over Giuca's role and the fairness of his trial. However, despite Russo's admission, Giuca’s conviction was ultimately reinstated.

As of now, Antonio Russo remains incarcerated, serving his 25-to-life sentence for the murder of Mark Fisher.