Renowned Forensic Scientist Henry Lee Dies at 87

Lee was known for his work on high-profile cases like the O.J. Simpson trial, but faced scrutiny over fabricated evidence in a 1985 murder case.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a forensic evidence marker, such as a numbered tag or ruler, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The forensic tools that once helped convict the guilty now face scrutiny over allegations of fabricated evidence.Henderson Today

Henry Lee, the famed forensic scientist who helped bring modern crime scene investigation into the public spotlight through his involvement in high-profile cases like the O.J. Simpson murder trial, has died at the age of 87. Lee passed away peacefully at his home in Henderson, Nevada, following a brief illness.

Why it matters

Lee's work on cases like the O.J. Simpson trial brought forensic science into the public eye, but he also faced criticism in his later years over allegations that he fabricated evidence in a 1985 murder case that sent two men to prison for decades.

The details

Born in China, Lee moved to Taiwan where he earned a degree in police administration and became a police officer. He later moved to the U.S. in 1964 and earned advanced degrees in forensic science and biochemistry. Lee first gained prominence for his work investigating the 1986 disappearance of flight attendant Helle Crafts, using tiny fragments of evidence to help authorities convict her husband despite having no body. Over his career, Lee worked on other high-profile cases like the JonBenet Ramsey murder and the Scott Peterson trial. However, in 2023 a federal court found him liable for fabricating evidence in a 1985 murder case.

  • Lee passed away on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • In 2023, a federal court ruled that Lee fabricated evidence in a 1985 murder case.

The players

Henry Lee

A famed forensic scientist who helped bring modern crime scene investigation into the public spotlight through his involvement in high-profile cases like the O.J. Simpson murder trial. He was 87 years old at the time of his death.

University of New Haven

The university where Lee taught for over 50 years and helped build its forensic science program.

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What they’re saying

“Dr. Lee was a remarkable individual. 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.”

— Jens Frederiksen, President, University of New Haven

What’s next

Lee's final book on missing-persons investigations is expected to be released posthumously.

The takeaway

Henry Lee's pioneering work in forensic science brought the field into the public spotlight, but his legacy was also tarnished by allegations that he fabricated evidence in a high-profile murder case, raising questions about the reliability of forensic testimony.