Altersberger v. State

Joshua Lee Altersberger appeals his conviction and sentence for the first-degree murder of Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Nick Sottile.1 For the reasons stated below, we affirm his conviction and sentence.

I. BACKGROUND

Late in the morning of January 12, 2007, the Defendant drove to a friend’s home in Highlands County. Also at the home was Quentin Kinder, who was in Florida to avoid arrest for violating his Georgia probation. After drinking and playing video-games, Altersberger left the home with Kinder. Kinder testified that, at this point, Altersberger was not so affected by the alcohol that…