Dr. Henry C. Lee, the Chinese-American forensic scientist who revolutionized criminal investigations worldwide, died on March 27, 2026, at his Nevada home at age 87. The University of New Haven confirmed his passing, noting he demonstrated resilience during a brief illness before his death.
Born in 1938 in Rugao, Jiangsu province on the Chinese mainland, Lee became a global authority through his work on over 8,000 cases across 46 countries. His analysis in high-profile investigations like the O.J. Simpson trial brought forensic science into mainstream consciousness.
University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen praised Lee's enduring legacy: "His contributions to forensic science transformed both academic training and real-world investigations. Generations of students and law enforcement professionals continue applying his methodologies."
Lee joined the Connecticut-based university in 1975, later establishing its Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science in 1998. The institution remains a leading center for advanced crime scene analysis techniques and DNA research.
Colleagues remember Lee as a bridge-builder between Eastern and Western forensic practices, often consulting on international cases requiring cross-cultural understanding of criminal justice systems.
