Dr. Henry C. Lee

Dr. Henry C. Lee is a famous forensic scientist. He was born in China and grew up in Taiwan. Before coming to The U.S in 1965 with his wife Margret, Dr. Lee worked at the Taipei Police Department where he earned the rank of captain. Once in the U.S Dr. Lee went to John Jay College and graduated with a B.S. in Forensic Science in 1972. From there Dr. Lee Went to New York University (NYU) where he obtained his masters degree in 1974 and his Ph.D. in 1975. Lee also got special training from the FBI Academy, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and other organizations. He is a recipient of 20 honorary degrees including Doctorate Degrees of Science from The University of New Haven and the University of Connecticut. Honorary Doctorate of Law from: Roger Williams Law School, Mitchell College, American International University and Taiwan Scientific Technology University. Dr. Lee also received Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Bridgeport, St. Joseph College, and Armstrong University, in recognition of his contributions to Law and Science.

After his education Dr. Lee joined the University of New Haven and created the forensic science program. Dr. Lee is now a professor of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven in the University’s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences which is named in his honor. Dr. Lee is also currently the director of the Forensic Research and Training center. Before this Dr. Lee worked as chief criminalist for the State of Connecticut and director of the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory. During this Time Dr. Lee worked on 8,000 criminal cases in 46 different countries.

A well- known case that Dr. Lee worked on was the O.J. Simpson case. Another case where Dr. Lee’s testimony played a big role in is the less known “woodchipper” case. The “woodchipper” case happened in Newtown, Connecticut in 1986. The victim was, Helle Crafts, the suspect was her husband Richard Crafts. Helle Craft was reported missing by a private investigator that she had hired. Dr. Lee helped investigate this case, and in the end the husband, Richard Crafts, was sentenced to 99 years in prison for murdering his wife.

Dr. Lee has also won medals for his work. Recently, he has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFE) in 2000; the Medal of Honor by the Ellis Island Foundation in 2004; Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Services by the US Congress in 2004; the Presidential Medal of Honor by the President of Croatia in 2005; the Medal of Service from the Ministry of Interior; Taiwan ROC in 2006; and the Gusi Peace Award from the Philippines in 2008.