Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the fourth death warrant of 2026, scheduling the execution of Michael Lee King for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. Michael King was sentenced to death for the 2008 murder of Denise Amber Lee. This execution comes amid mounting evidence that the State of Florida has repeatedly failed to follow its own lethal injection rules.
This was a devastating crime that ended a human life and caused immeasurable harm to the people who loved Denise. Nothing in this petition diminishes that loss or the gravity of the crime. Honoring victims means acknowledging that harm — and refusing to allow more violence to be carried out in their names.
A stay of execution is not weakness. It is responsibility. Florida should pause executions until it can demonstrate transparency, accountability, and compliance with its own rules.
This petition will be updated as more information is available. Last updated 03/14/26.