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Altersberger's death sentence means justice, but not joy

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 17, 2009

Justice has been served to Joshua Lee Altersberger. He will be put to death at some point in the coming years for murdering Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Nicholas Sottile. And although we support this sentence, there is no joy or elation in the final outcome. There is only hope that Sottile's family can find some solace, some closure to this horrendous crime.

Altersberger murdered Sotille Jan. 12, 2007 along U.S. 27 during a routine traffic stop. He was gunned down in brutal fashion for no reason other than one person's wish to destroy someone.

The law caught up with Altersberger in no time. In his first mug shots he appeared defiant and sneering. During his trial we learned of a miserable upbringing and a childhood lost.

Altersberger's story in no way comes close to justifying or explaining the reason he inflicted so much pain on the Sotille family. He will die for that terrible deed and any sympathy should not be wasted with him.

There is no joy in Altersberger's sentence because it doesn't bring back Nick Sotille. It doesn't return a husband and father to his family and friends. Altersberger's actions also cause great pain to his own family and the people who love him.

An incredibly tragic story began that afternoon in January 2007. Two men lost their lives due to the evil intentions of one. Two families also lost a great deal for the same reasons.

We can never understand what makes a person do such things, and it's not worth the mental gymnastics to deduce what a troubled mind was thinking. It's impossible to apply logic to something so illogical.

What we must hope is that the Sotille family and friends can move forward and - over time - find a level of healing and comfort. They can feel good knowing that they shared a life with a good man.

From what friends and family tell us, Sotille led a life filled with love and happiness until the very end. On some level, that's the best any of us can hope for. It's a shame it ended so soon and in such a manner.

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