Florida executes brutal murderer who kidnapped and shot woman in head

18 Mar 2026 • 6:13 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Michael Lee King, 54, was executed in Florida for the 2008 murder, sexual battery and kidnapping of Denise Amber Lee.
  • King was pronounced dead on Tuesday evening following a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison.
  • During the 2008 crime, Ms Lee made a desperate 911 call from King's mobile phone while tied up in his car, before being shot and buried.
  • King delivered a final statement mentioning finding Jesus but offered no apology to the victim's family.
  • Ms Lee's husband, father, and one of her sons witnessed the execution, expressing relief and highlighting the ongoing work of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation, which promotes 911 operator training.

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