STARKE, FLORIDA — A Florida man convicted of abducting, sexually assaulting, and killing a 21-year-old mother who frantically called 911 from his cellphone was executed Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison.
Michael Lee King, 54, was pronounced dead at 6:13 p.m. following a three-drug lethal injection at the prison near Starke, according to state officials. He had been convicted of first-degree murder, sexual battery, and kidnapping in the 2008 killing of Denise Amber Lee.
Execution at Florida State Prison
The curtain to the death chamber rose at 6 p.m., the scheduled execution time.
According to statements released by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office, King made a brief statement referencing his religious faith but did not apologize or ask for forgiveness.
As the lethal drugs were administered, witnesses reported that King began breathing heavily and his body twitched before all movement ceased. A medic later pronounced him dead.
Florida carries out executions using a three-drug protocol consisting of a sedative, a paralytic agent, and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected King’s final appeals without comment the day before the execution.
The 2008 Abduction and Murder
Court records show that on Jan. 17, 2008, Denise Amber Lee was outside her North Port home with her two young sons — a toddler and an infant — when King drove by and later abducted her, leaving the children alone at the residence.
Investigators said King took Lee to his home, where he bound and raped her.
While restrained in King’s vehicle later that day, Lee managed to access his cellphone and dial 911. Recordings of the call captured her pleading for her life and expressing her desire to see her husband and children again.
Authorities said King then drove Lee to a remote area in North Port, where he shot her in the face and buried her body.
Shortly afterward, a state trooper pulled King over because his 1994 green Chevrolet Camaro matched a description provided by another 911 caller. A woman had reported hearing screams coming from the vehicle while stopped at a traffic light.
Investigators later recovered Lee’s hair and personal belongings from King’s home and vehicle.
Impact on 911 System Reform
The case led to widespread scrutiny of emergency response procedures.
Multiple 911 calls were made that day — including from Lee, her husband Nathan Lee, and bystanders — but communication failures and coordination issues reportedly delayed a unified response.
Months later, Florida lawmakers unanimously passed the Denise Amber Lee Act, which requires improved training for 911 operators.
The Denise Amber Lee Foundation, founded by her husband, continues to advocate for nationwide improvements in emergency communications training and public awareness.
Family Members Witness Execution
Nathan Lee, Denise’s father Richard Goff, and one of the couple’s sons were among those who witnessed the execution. Family members wore pink shirts, Lee’s favorite color.
Afterward, Nathan Lee expressed gratitude for having known his wife and said he intends to continue focusing on 911 system reform.
Her father noted that King did not apologize before his death.
Family members have described Denise as a hero, crediting her with leaving evidence behind — including hair and fingerprints — that helped investigators identify her attacker.
Execution Statistics
King’s execution marked:
- The fourth execution in Florida in 2026
- The seventh execution nationwide this year
- The 47th execution in the United States in 2025
- A record 19 executions carried out in Florida in 2025
Two additional executions are scheduled in Florida later this year.
Conclusion
The execution of Michael Lee King closes a legal chapter in a case that sparked national attention and led to changes in emergency response laws in Florida.
Denise Amber Lee’s legacy continues through legislative reforms and the ongoing advocacy work of her family and foundation.
