Henry C. Lee, the world’s most celebrated forensic scientist, died March 28 at 87 after a brief illness. A University of New Haven professor for over 50 years, he gained global attention for his 1995 testimony in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, where he questioned LA police handling of blood evidence. His defense arguments contributed to Simpson’s acquittal, sparking debates about racial bias in law enforcement.

Lee’s career spanned 1,000+ court testimonies and consultations for 600+ agencies. Beyond Simpson, he worked on high-profile cases like the JonBenet Ramsey investigation and the Phil Spector trial. His methods often involved dramatic courtroom demonstrations, such as using ketchup to simulate blood splatter. However, his reputation faced scrutiny in 2007 when a judge accused him of removing evidence in the Spector case, and in 2023, a $25 million settlement emerged after convictions tied to his disputed blood evidence were overturned.

Born in Rugao, China, Lee immigrated to the U.S. as a child, overcoming poverty and his father’s death. He built a forensic science program at the University of New Haven, founding its lab in 1978. Despite later allegations, his work reshaped crime-solving, blending science with theatrical courtroom tactics. His legacy remains polarizing, celebrated for advancing forensic techniques while criticized for ethical lapses.

Lee’s death underscores the complex role of expert witnesses in shaping legal outcomes. His contributions to forensic science—both groundbreaking and contentious—will likely endure as a cautionary tale about the intersection of justice, memory, and scientific integrity.