Michael King, a 54-year-old death row inmate, faces execution by lethal injection on March 17 at Florida State Prison. The death warrant, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday, marks him as the potential fourth execution in Florida this year, pending any successful appeals.

The 2008 Abduction in Charlotte County

Court records detail how King abducted Denise Amber Lee, a mother of two, from her Charlotte County home in January 2008. He transported her to his residence, bound her wrists with duct tape, and raped her before forcing her into the backseat of his Camaro.

King then drove to his cousin’s house to obtain a torch, shovel, and gas can. During this time, Lee desperately pleaded for help.

Desperate 911 Calls Ignored

Lee managed to place a 911 call from the vehicle. On the recording, she cries and begs for rescue to reunite with her husband and children, as noted in the death warrant.

Three additional 911 calls reported the incident, including one from King’s cousin and another from a motorist who heard Lee’s screams and pounding on the window. Despite an ongoing massive search for Lee, no officers responded to these calls.

The Murder and Investigation

King drove Lee to a remote site, shot her in the face, and buried her body. Prosecutors confirmed her clothing was found nearby, with King’s DNA matching evidence from the scene.

Lee’s husband discovered their two young children alone at home and reported her missing. She was the daughter of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Lt. Richard Goff, former head of the narcotics division. Goff identified his daughter’s voice on the 911 recording presented by authorities.

Legal Outcome

Florida’s Supreme Court upheld King’s death sentence in 2012. Without new appeals, the execution proceeds as scheduled.