Last night, Michael King was executed for the 2008 murder of Denise Amber Lee. In his last words, he spoke of the love and respect he felt for his family, the victim’s family, the Catholic prison chaplains, and even “those on the team to end my life.” That kind of offering of love is representative of the change Michael underwent while in prison.
In our statement we released following the execution, we said:
What a different story this could have been, had this tragedy ended decades ago with a life without parole sentence. Denise Lee’s family could have continued the incredible work to honor her memory by fighting for reform to keep others safe. Importantly, they could have done so without the painful reminder of the single worst day in their lives as this case wound through the court system towards Michael’s eventual execution. Society would have remained safe, and Floridians would not have to question whether their government was torturing its citizens and calling it punishment.
I hope you’ll take a moment to read the statement in full. The story of Michael’s life, and the important legacy that the Lee family has built in her absence, is important.
A rainbow above Florida State Prison as Michael King was executed on The Feast of St. Patrick
As we grieve, we also prepare. There are two additional executions scheduled, and I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that we expect there to be another warrant signed as soon as this week.
Take action for James Duckett (Execution scheduled for Tuesday, May 31, at 6 pm)
Take action for Chadwick Willacy (Execution scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, at 6 pm):
Tomorrow, we’ll be here with some exciting non-execution news. Keep your eyes out!
Onward,
Grace