A man who shot and killed a Nassau County deputy during a traffic stop in 2021, and who was sentenced to death last year, was set to appear in court on Wednesday morning for a sentence appeal.

Attorneys for Patrick McDowell will be requesting that the Supreme Court of Florida vacate his death sentence and get a life in prison sentence instead. Attorneys are also requesting a new penalty phase, in which victim impact evidence will not be presented to the jury.

The first appeal of a death sentence is mandatory in Florida.

During his sentencing trial last year, McDowell, who pleaded guilty to gunning down Nassau County Deputy Joshua Moyers during a traffic stop, encouraged jurors to recommend the death penalty for him.

“I can’t take away the pain I’ve caused, but I can pay for it. So make

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