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Pasco Man Gets 23 Years In Attack On Ex-Girlfriend

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By TODD LESKANIC | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 30, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Nicholas Altamuro's family left a courtroom this afternoon uttering profanities and calling Donnalee Johnston "a liar." One lady went so far as to say she was going to kill Johnston.

This after Circuit Judge Thane Covert sentenced Altamuro to 23 years in prison for stabbing Johnston 51 times in a fit of rage. The sentence came more than three months after Altamuro pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder and armed burglary in the August 2005 attack on his former girlfriend.

During a three-hour hearing, defense attorney Dennis Watson asked Covert to sentence Altamuro to eight years in prison, the least severe punishment allowed under sentencing guidelines.

Watson presented evidence that his client has a history of substance abuse and mental illness but no substantial criminal record. He said Altamuro needs treatment that is unavailable through the Department of Corrections.

Those factors, which Covert considered, likely kept Altamuro from getting the 30-year maximum. What the judge didn't buy was the sincerity of Altamuro's testimony, during which he said he took great care of Johnston in their relationship and that he was "horribly upset" at what happened to her.

"I think your remorse is very shallow in nature," Covert said before handing down the sentence.

Altamuro testified that he didn't remember anything about the attack but didn't deny it.

Assistant State Attorney Eva Vergos played a tape of Johnston's frantic 911 call, during which an enraged Altamuro can be heard cursing as Johnston screams for him to stop hurting her.

Deputy Cesar Toldo arrived at Johnston's house during the attack and Altamuro greeted him at the front door with his shirt covered in blood. Toldo testified that when he told Altamuro he hadn't killed Johnston, Altamuro replied, "Too bad. I really wanted to."

Altamuro went to Johnston's home angry because he thought she was having an affair, Vergos said.

Testimony from Altamuro's family bolstered the defense's contention that he suffered from mental illness. Psychologists who examined him after his arrest diagnosed him with bipolar disorder.

Altamuro, 49, was born in Philadelphia and spent most of his formative years in New Jersey. He was raised in a two-parent household with his two younger brothers and a younger sister.

Stephen Altamuro, a lawyer in New Jersey, testified that his brother had expressed sorrow for attacking Johnston.

"He regrets the whole thing," he said. "He wishes that day of his life didn't exist, that he could roll back the clock."

Reporter Todd Leskanic can be reached at (727) 815-1084 or tleskanic@tampatrib.com.

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