Henry Lee, a renowned forensic scientist recognized for revolutionizing crime scene investigation, has passed away at the age of 87. He died peacefully at his home in Henderson, Nevada, on a recent Friday following a brief illness, as confirmed by a statement from his family and the University of New Haven, where he dedicated over 50 years of teaching.
Lee gained widespread attention during the high-profile O.J. Simpson trial in 1995, where his testimony regarding the handling of blood evidence played a pivotal role. His expertise led him to consult on several notorious investigations, including the tragic slaying of 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey in Colorado in 1996, the murder trial of Scott Peterson, who was accused of killing his pregnant wife Laci in 2004, and the murder trial of music producer Phil Spector in 2007.
However, in his later years, Lee’s work faced scrutiny. In a 2023 federal court ruling, he was found liable for fabricating evidence in a 1985 murder case that resulted in two Connecticut men serving decades in prison. This finding cast a shadow over his illustrious career and raised questions about the practices within forensic science.
Born in China as the 11th of 13 children, Lee's family relocated to Taiwan, where he obtained a degree in police administration and served as a police officer, eventually rising to the rank of captain. Relocating to the United States in 1964 with his late wife, he earned advanced degrees in forensic science and biochemistry, furthering his pursuit of forensic expertise.
Henry Lee first garnered acclaim following his investigation into the 1986 disappearance of flight attendant Helle Crafts. Utilizing small fragments like bone, a thumb tip, and hair found near her residence, Lee helped illustrate the case against Crafts' husband, demonstrating he had dismembered her body and disposed of it using a wood chipper, ultimately leading to a conviction despite the absence of a body.
In a reflection of his significant contributions, Lee once remarked, “Sometimes they compare me to Sherlock Holmes or Charlie Chan. Those are just fictional characters. In real life, the scientists, detectives, and public have to work together. We don’t get commercial breaks.” This statement underscores the collaborative essence of forensic science and investigation.
Lee’s ongoing involvement in high-profile cases continued throughout his career. Yet, in 2020, a state judge vacated the 1985 murder convictions of the two men previously found guilty, citing erroneous testimony about bloodstains on a towel that were later proven not to be blood. In subsequent proceedings, a federal judge ruled that there was no substantial evidence to support Lee’s claims during the trial. Lee defended his work vigorously, arguing that the blood evidence may have degraded over the two decades since the crime occurred, when the defense experts tested it.
Throughout his career, Lee established himself in Connecticut, serving as the head of the state’s forensic laboratory. At the University of New Haven, he played a crucial role in developing its forensic science program from a modest foundation to a well-respected multidisciplinary academic department. He also co-founded the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the university, which aimed to train and provide consultation to professionals in forensic and criminal justice fields.
University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen paid tribute, stating, “Dr. Lee was a remarkable individual. His contributions to our University as well as forensic science and law enforcement are extraordinary and unmatched. His legacy lives on in the generations of students and law enforcement professionals he impacted throughout his brilliant career.”
Lee was the author or co-author of over 40 books, and in his final days, he was in the process of finalizing a book focused on missing-persons investigations, which is expected to be published despite his passing.
