The sentencing date for Joshua Altersberger is June 15 at 10 a.m. ...more

May 22, 2009

Attorneys on both sides will return to Judge J. Michael Hunter's courtroom May 22 for the conclusion of the Spencer hearing for Joshua Lee Altersberger. ...more

May 9, 2009

After two years of grieving, lack of presence, wonderment as what was to happen, would anyone be remised or improper to make an honorable suggestion to Sheriff Benton, FHP, commanders and citizens of Highlands County, to ask if Sgt. Nicholas Sottile (FHP) could share space on the granite memorial site, in front of the sheriff's office, with Capt. Bob Hopton and Inspector Jim Rodgers? It would be common ground to be etched in stone for the loss to family and society in the performance of not a job, but a duty. ...more

April 8, 2009

A Polk County jury, on a 9-3 majority, recommended the death penalty for Joshua Lee Altersberger. ...more

April 2, 2009

A psychological evaluation of Joshua Lee Altersberger was the testimony provided by expert witnesses in the beginning of the third day of his penalty trial. ...more

April 1, 2009

The mother of Joshua Lee Altersberger described to jurors a family history of abuse and drugs, as the defense presented testimony in day two of the defendant's penalty trial. Altersberger pleaded guilty March 13 to shooting and killing Florida Highway Patrol trooper Nicholas Sottile during a Jan. 12, 2007 traffic stop in Highlands County. A jury was selected last week to hear testimony to help them make a sentencing recommendation. ...more

March 31, 2009

Emotional statements from the family of Sgt. Nicholas Sottile ended the first day of testimony in the penalty trial of Joshua Lee Altersberger. ...more

March 31, 2009

"Ten twenty-four, I've been shot. Ten twenty-four, I've been shot." The call was the second one Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Edward Finneran said he heard from Sgt. Nicholas Sottile on the afternoon of Jan. 12, 2007. ...more

March 30, 2009

A jury pool of at least 50 was whittled down to eight women and four men who will make a sentence recommendation in the case of Joshua Lee Altersberger. ...more

March 26, 2009

This jury will not decide guilt or innocence, but rather life or death. ...more

March 21, 2009