Altersberger v. State
Annotate this CaseDefendant Joshua Lee Altersberger pled guilty to the first-degree murder of Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Nick Sottile. The jury found two aggravating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt: the murder was committed in a cold calculated, and premeditated manner; and the victim was a law enforcement officer engaged in the lawful performance of his official duties. The trial court followed the jury's recommendation and sentenced Defendant to death. Defendant appealed. The Supreme Court affirmed Defendant's conviction and sentence, holding (1) the trial court did not err in its finding that Sergeant Sottile's murder was cold, calculated, and premeditated; (2) Defendant's plea was knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily entered into; and (3) the death penalty was proportionate in this case.
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