More released in Denise Amber Lee case

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

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Denise Amber Lee was kidnapped and killed in January.

MANATEE COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Hundreds of documents, audio and a video tape have been released in the case of the kidnapping and murder of 21-year-old Denise Amber Lee.

On Jan. 17 Denise Amber Lee was snatched from her North Port home. A surprising call from Lee came into 911 three hours after her husband first reported her missing.

The call came in just hours before she died, the last time anyone would hear from her.

Michael Lee King, 37, is the main suspect in the case and has been charged with killing her.

According to the dispatcher who took the call from Lee, the 911 phone call ended when Lee's kidnapper realized she was on their cell phone.

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office dispatcher: "He did not know that she was on the phone."
North Port police dispatcher: "Ok who did he think she was talking to?"
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office dispatcher: "No she had the phone next to her."
North Port police dispatcher: "Ok, ok."
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office dispatcher: "He was like where's my phone? She's like I don't have your phone, and finally when he took phone."

The call came in at 6:14 p.m. to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office dispatch center.

It was the first time authorities learned she was being held against her will.

More Information

Two days after the 911 call North Port police found Lee's body in the woods.

Police said they found evidence linking King to the crime, including tape they said contained Lee's hair.

The documents released did not reveal if King and Lee knew each other before the murder or a possible motive.

Prosecutors are not releasing the 911 call made from Lee. They said it is exempt from public records laws because King made statements that are admissions.

Lee left behind a husband and two young sons.

According to court documents, DNA found on Lee's body has been matched to King's DNA. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for King if he's convicted.