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Judge rules Michael King competent for penalty phase

Associated Press file photo

Michael King was found guilty of the 2008 kidnapping, rape and murder of 21-year-old Denise Amber Lee.

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By JACKIE BARRON

jbarron@wfla.com

Published: September 3, 2009

Related Links

• Competency exam ordered
• Family testifies
• King found guilty

  Michael King

SARASOTA - Sarasota Judge Deno Economou ruled today that Michael King is competent to go forward with the penalty phase of his trial.

On Friday, a jury convicted King in the 2008 kidnapping, rape and murder of 21-year-old Denise Amber Lee. This week, the 12-person jury must decide whether King deserves the death penalty.

King's family and an ex-girlfriend took the stand Wednesday offering testimony about his childhood and the depression he faced in the months leading up to Lee's slaying. However, when prosecutor Lon Arend noted King's dronelike demeanor during the proceedings and asked to put a rebuttal witness on the stand to talk about King's actions in the hours after the attack, it triggered a legal need to double-check King's mental state.

The sentencing hearing resumes at 10 a.m., with more of King's family members expected to testify today.

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