Florida Death Row Inmate Executed for Grisly 2008 Murder, Rape

Michael Lee King devoured pizza, tater tots, ice cream, and soda as his final meal before lethal injection.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:21am

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Michael Lee King, 54, was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison on Tuesday evening for the 2008 kidnapping, rape, and murder of 21-year-old Denise Amber Lee. King abducted Lee from her North Port home while her two young sons were inside, took her to his home, bound and raped her, and then fatally shot her in the face. King's execution came after his desperate 911 calls went unanswered.

Why it matters

The horrific crime committed by King led to the passage of the Denise Amber Lee Act in Florida, which provides enhanced training for 911 operators. Lee's husband also established a foundation in her name to promote operator training and public awareness. This case highlights ongoing debates around the death penalty, bail reform, and public safety.

The details

Prosecutors said King abducted Lee from her North Port home on January 17, 2008, while her two young sons were inside. He then took her to his home, bound and raped her, and later that day drove to his cousin's house with Lee still bound in his car. Lee was able to grab King's cellphone and call 911, but her desperate pleas for help went unanswered. King then shot Lee directly in the face and buried her in a remote area.

  • On January 17, 2008, King abducted Lee from her North Port home.
  • Later that same day, Lee called 911 from King's car but her calls went unanswered.
  • Shortly after, King fatally shot Lee in the face and buried her body.
  • On March 18, 2026, King was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison.
  • King's execution came at 6:13 p.m. on March 18, 2026.

The players

Michael Lee King

A 54-year-old Florida death row inmate who was executed for the 2008 kidnapping, rape, and murder of 21-year-old Denise Amber Lee.

Denise Amber Lee

A 21-year-old married mother who was kidnapped, raped, and fatally shot by Michael Lee King in 2008.

Nathan Lee

The husband of Denise Amber Lee who established a foundation in her name to promote 911 operator training and public awareness.

Denise Amber Lee Foundation

A foundation established by Nathan Lee, Denise Amber Lee's husband, to promote 911 operator training and public awareness after her murder.

Florida Legislature

Passed the Denise Amber Lee Act after the horrific crime, which provides enhanced training for 911 operators.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.