Renowned Forensic Expert Dr. Henry Lee Dies at 87

Dr. Henry Lee, the celebrated forensic scientist known for his testimony in the O.J. Simpson trial and other high-profile cases, died peacefully at his Nevada home Friday at age 87. The China-born investigator helped revolutionize crime scene analysis but faced controversy in later years over fabricated evidence allegations.

Dr. Henry Lee, the renowned forensic investigator who brought crime scene science into the national spotlight through his work on major cases including the O.J. Simpson murder trial, died Friday at age 87.

The forensic expert died peacefully at his Henderson, Nevada residence after battling a short illness, his family and the University of New Haven announced. Lee dedicated more than five decades to teaching at the Connecticut university.

Lee became a household name following his 1995 testimony in Simpson’s murder trial, where he challenged how investigators collected and processed blood evidence. His expertise was also sought in numerous other notable cases, including the JonBenet Ramsey killing in Colorado in 1996, Scott Peterson’s 2004 trial for murdering his pregnant wife Laci, and music producer Phil Spector’s 2007 murder trial.

However, Lee’s reputation faced challenges in recent years when a 2023 federal court decision held him responsible for falsifying evidence in a 1985 Connecticut murder case that resulted in two men spending decades behind bars.

The forensic pioneer was born in China as the 11th child in a family of 13, later relocating to Taiwan where he studied police administration and served as a police officer before advancing to captain. In 1964, he and his deceased wife immigrated to America, where he pursued graduate studies in forensic science and biochemistry.

Lee first gained national recognition through his investigation of Helle Crafts’ 1986 disappearance in Connecticut. Using microscopic bone fragments, a partial thumb, a tooth crown, and hair strands discovered near her residence, he helped prosecutors prove that Crafts’ husband had dismembered her body using a wood chipper. The case resulted in a murder conviction without recovering the victim’s body.

“Sometimes they compare me to Sherlock Holmes or Charlie Chan. Those are just fictional characters,” Lee stated in a 2000 interview when retiring as Connecticut State Police commissioner. “In real life, the scientists, detectives and public have to work together. … We don’t get commercial breaks.”

Despite continued involvement in prominent investigations, Lee’s career was tarnished in 2020 when a state judge overturned the 1985 murder convictions of two defendants. Their guilty verdicts had relied partly on Lee’s testimony identifying what he claimed were bloodstains on a towel. Post-trial testing during the appeals process revealed the stains contained no blood.

The 2023 federal ruling determined Lee’s testimony lacked any supporting evidence. Lee maintained his innocence regarding evidence fabrication claims, arguing that blood traces might have deteriorated during the two decades between the crime and when defense experts examined the towel.

Throughout his career, Lee remained primarily based in Connecticut, directing the state’s forensic laboratory. At the University of New Haven, he transformed the forensic science program from basic fingerprint equipment into a comprehensive academic department. He later established the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the university to train professionals and provide case consultation services.

“Dr. Lee was a remarkable individual,” stated University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen. “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 authored or co-authored over 40 publications and was completing a book about missing persons investigations before his death. The university confirmed the final work is still planned for publication.