SARASOTA, FL -- Pat O'Quinn, Pip Steele and Marcia Burns are vastly different. But these three women are now bonded for life. Sadly, it was a murder that brought them together.
As jurors in the Michael King trial, they spent three weeks away from their families and jobs to listen to the emotional and graphic testimony on the murder of Denise Amber Lee, a 21 year old mother from North Port. They came back to the courthouse today on their own to face a killer.
Pip Steele said it brought back horrible memories.
"The first time I felt I was in the presence of evil. Absolute evil. Evil. We have been through an ordeal. Nothing like the family has been through, but we need to see this finished and followed to the end.''
Defense attorneys presented Judge Deno Economou with King's school, foreclosure and divorce papers. They felt it would prove how trouble he was. The judge said he would review the evidence and offer a final decision On December 4th of this year.
The women, along with three other jurors, felt compelled to come back in a show of solidarity. They not only convicted King for the kidnapping, rape and murder of Lee, they unanimously recommended death.
In cases like these, defendants have one last chance to plead for their life in what is called a Spencer Hearing. The judge could ultimately bypass the jury's decision and spare the defendant's life.
These jurors are hoping Judge Deno Economu will uphold their wishes. O'Quinn feels King not only destroyed a family but an entire community.
"How can anyone feel safe anymore. It was so random. Michael King is a scary man."
The victim, Denise Lee, was abducted in broad daylight in front of her two young boys.
Nathan Lee, Denise's husband, was in the courtroom as he always has been. He said he appreciates the jurors and feels confident justice will be served. He wants the ultimate punishment for King.
"We have been very happy with the prosecution so far. They have shown compassion to all of us. I think the judge has done a decent job. I am just anxious for this to be over."
