Last meal revealed for Florida death row inmate executed for grisly 2008 murder, rape of married mom
Michael Lee King, 54, was executed Tuesday evening in Florida for the brutal kidnapping, rape, and murder of 21-year-old Denise Amber Lee. His final meal consisted of pizza, tater tots, ice cream, and soda, a simple comfort-food selection before receiving a lethal injection at Florida State Prison. He was pronounced dead at 6:13 p.m.
King’s crime occurred on January 17, 2008, when he abducted Lee from her North Port home while her two young sons, a toddler and an infant, were inside. Prosecutors detailed how King took her to his residence, restrained her, and sexually assaulted her. Later that day, he drove to his cousin’s house with Lee still bound in his car. During the trip, she managed to grab his cellphone and make a desperate 911 call. Despite her plea for help, and other calls made by her husband and witnesses, emergency responders did not intervene. Lee was ultimately shot in the face and buried in a secluded area of North Port.
King was arrested the same day. The tragedy spurred significant changes in Florida, including the passage of the Denise Amber Lee Act, which mandates enhanced training for 911 operators. Her husband, Nathan Lee, also founded a charitable organization in her memory to improve public awareness and operator preparedness.
On Tuesday, Nathan and Lee’s eldest son watched the execution from the gallery, wearing pink shirts in tribute to Denise. King made no statements of apology or remorse before the lethal injection.
He is the fourth individual executed in Florida this year, with two more scheduled in the coming weeks.
About Post Author
