World-renowned forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee dies at age of 87
Famed forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee died at the age of 87 on Friday at his home in Nevada, according to the University of New Haven.
Lee joined the university in 1975 and founded the school’s foresic science program. He was a professor at the university for more than 50 years.
He came to prominence in the 1980s after his testimony in the so-called wood chipper murder trial. Lee’s forensic examination and testimony helped the prosecution secure a guilty verdict against Richard Crafts, despite never finding the body of Crafts’ wife.
Lee would go on to testify in or consult on many high profile cases, including the O.J. Simpson trial and the murder of JonBenét Ramsey.
He served as the chief criminalist for the State of Connecticut and director of the Connecticut State Police Forensics Science Laboratory from 1978 to 2000, according to the university.
His reputation came into question more recently when a judge ruled Lee gave false testimony during the trials of two men who were convicted of murder in the 1980s.
The convictions were overturned, and the men were released from prison after 30 years. The State of Connecticut paid $25.2 million to the two men in compensation.
Born in China in 1938, Lee came to the United States in 1964. He was predeceased by his wife and he leaves behind a son and daughter, and four grandchildren.
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