Least of These

Another witness, another 911 call, and a two-hour deliberation.

The murder trial for 36-year-old Michael King began in August of 2008. Prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence against King, much of it recovered due to Denise Lee’s heroic actions. 

It only took two hours for the jury to return their verdict.

In the years after Denise’s murder countless lives have been saved through the Denise Amber Lee Foundation. 

DENISE LEE FOUNDATION:  Denise Amber Lee Foundation

SOURCES: 
Denise Lee’s final 911 calls changed Florida, her killer executed

Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s - Newspapers.com™

KING v. STATE (2012) | FindLaw

North Port woman's family awaits execution of her killer

Calls of distressNBC Newshttps://www.nbcnews.com › wbna25004051

SHE DIED AS DEPUTIES WERE LEFT UNAWARETampa Bay Timeshttps://www.tampabay.com › archive › 2008/04/13 › sh...

Denise Amber Lee Was Murdered Despite Pleading with ...People.comhttps://people.com › Crime › Crime History

Watch 20/20 TV Show - ABC.comABC Networkhttps://abc.com › shows

https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/2485899/opinion/Opinion_SC2026-0336.pdf 

Michael King executed for murder of Denise Amber Lee

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A series of 911 calls, a green Camaro, and a missed opportunity.

In January of 2008, 21-year-old Denise Lee was abducted from her home in North Port, Florida.

As the crime unfolded a series of 911 calls were placed, one by Denise herself. Covertly she told the operator that she had been abducted from her home on Latour Avenue. 

Another witness called to report a kidnapping in progress but a deputy was never dispatched. An error in communication likely cost Denise Lee her life. 

DENISE LEE FOUNDATION:  Denise Amber Lee FoundationDenise Amber Lee Foundationhttps://deniseamberlee.org

SOURCES: 
Denise Lee’s final 911 calls changed Florida, her killer executed

Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s - Newspapers.com™

KING v. STATE (2012) | FindLaw

North Port woman's family awaits execution of her killer

Calls of distressNBC Newshttps://www.nbcnews.com › wbna25004051

SHE DIED AS DEPUTIES WERE LEFT UNAWARETampa Bay Timeshttps://www.tampabay.com › archive › 2008/04/13 › sh...

Denise Amber Lee Was Murdered Despite Pleading with ...People.comhttps://people.com › Crime › Crime History

Watch 20/20 TV Show - ABC.comABC Networkhttps://abc.com › shows

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In 2014 Jake Embert was murdered at the hands of his new wife. His death was initially ruled a suicide after police spent less than an hour "investigating" at the scene.
Jake's family pushed for answers.
A decade and three trials later, Jake Embert finally got justice.
Now, his family is fighting for justice for other families of victims of violent crime with the William 'Jake' Embert Act... and they need your help.
SIGN THE PETITION: Petition · “Grief Is Heavy Enough, Families Shouldn’t Have to Fight for the Truth Too.” - United States · Change.org
Reporting by WALB: The William ‘Jake’ Embert Investigative Integrity & Victims’ Act

Original coverage from 2021: Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/least-of-these/id1551568238?i=1000518182949

Part 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/least-of-these/id1551568238?i=1000519255321

Part 3: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/least-of-these/id1551568238?i=1000520563714

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March 28th, 2025, marks six years since Mary Collins was brutally murdered at the hands of people she trusted.
In those six years, only one of the four perpetrators, Kelly Lavery, has been convicted. Lavi Pham, James Salerno, and America Diehl are still awaiting trial.
America Diehl is currently free on bond.
Every year from March 28th - April 5th Mary's family holds an online candlelight vigil marking the days she was trapped inside Pham and Lavery's apartment.
To participate in the online vigil go to Mary’s Voice on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2718704181695998/?ref=share
Mary’s Voice on Instagram: https://instagram.com/marysvoiceorg?utm_medium=copy_link
Mary’s Voice: https://justiceformarysantina.com/
Mary’s Voice on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTd5HHbR3/
Mary’s Voice on Twitter:
Mary's Voice (@MarysVoices)

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Trial delays, conflicting stories, and post conviction relief.

After the 1995 murders of William Hatcher, Robbie Bond and Michael Lee, the cases began to make their way to trial.

Kenneth Moody placed the blame on his 14-year-old cousin, David.

But David Moody pointed the finger right back at Kenneth. 

SOURCES:

https://www.deseret.com/2001/9/17/19607010/murderer-cuts-his-way-out-of-mississippi-jail/

Moody Trial Moved

William Hatcher - Search - Newspapers.com™

David Moody v. State of Mississippi :: 2025 :: Mississippi Court of Appeals Decisions :: Mississippi Case Law :: Mississippi Law :: U.S. Law :: Justia

MOODY v. STATE (2003) | FindLaw

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www.instagram.com/least_ofthese/

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