Henry C. Lee, renowned forensic scientist and professor emeritus at University of New Haven, addressed the 11th Shanghai Master Forum on Science with a lecture titled “New Concepts in Forensic Investigation” held at Fudan University on June 7.
Fudan University inaugurated its School of Forensic Medicine and Science at the forum. Lee was awarded an honorary professorship certificate by JIN Li, president of Fudan University.
The newly established school will leverage Fudan’s academic and interdisciplinary strengths to cultivate high-level forensic professionals and to become a domestically and internationally recognized hub for forensic innovation, providing contributions for China’s legal modernization and social justice.
Throughout his nearly six-decade forensic career, Lee has participated the in the investigation of over 8,000 cases. His dedication to forensic science and exceptional investigative skills have earned him widespread acclaim and made him a legendary figure in the field of forensic science. His contributions have significantly advanced forensic science and continue to influence the field to this day.
In 1966, Robert Kennedy, the younger brother of former President John F. Kennedy, was campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination when he was assassinated. In 1996, Lee was invited to investigate Robert Kennedy’s death. He discovered new evidence at the crime scene, raising suspicions of a potential conspiracy.
In 1994, former NFL star O.J. Simpson was accused of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. Lee was hired as a defense forensic consultant. He identified multiple issues with the crime scene investigation and evidence collection, which helped the defense undermine the prosecution’s case. Simpson was acquitted of the criminal charges but found liable in a subsequent wrongful death lawsuit.
“I let the scientific evidence do the talking, and I don’t elaborate beyond what it reveals,” Lee said. He firmly believes in the Locard’s Exchange Principle in forensic science, which states that whenever two objects come into contact, an exchange of trace evidence occurs. Take the case where a truck ran over a policeman and sped off. Initially, the police found no blood or hair on the truck and were about to let it go. But then Lee arrived. With a chemical spray, he revealed the victim’s police badge on the vehicle.
“Like a doctor diagnosing a patient, we looked for the tiniest clues at the scene,” Lee recalled the Chicago fried chicken shop murder. A bag of garbage became the key. The clean bag, holding very little waste, suggested it had been changed after the shop closed. Upon checking, there was an order placed just minutes after closing. Only the wings of the meal were eaten; the legs, breast, and fries were left. Lee figured the murderer had worked there before and might not be Asian or a Western white, as Asians prefer legs and Western whites like breast meat.
In 1975, Lee joined the University of New Haven as an assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice. In his first year of teaching, he was named the Outstanding Professor of the Year. In 1979, he became the director of the Connecticut State Forensic Science Laboratory and was promoted to laboratory director and chief forensic scientist a year later. He pioneered the use of scientific evidence to convict criminals and solved numerous high-profile cases, making him one of America’s most renowned police experts within five years. In 1998, he became the Connecticut State Police Commissioner, the first Chinese-American to hold such a high-ranking position in U.S. policing.
“Initially, I declined the offer. I focused on science, not administration. But the governor persuaded my mom, and I respected her wishes. She asked if any Chinese American had ever held such a position in U.S. history. She encouraged me to pave the way for future generations,” he said.
Looking back on his 65-year career in forensic science, Lee said his life philosophy stems from his mother’s teaching: When facing difficulties, the only option you can’t choose is giving up. Brave challenges, and there’s always hope. “Create a life of purpose, passion, hard work and knowledge. Set a limit of no limit,” Lee said.
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Writer: WANG Mengqi
Editor: LI Yijie
