Henry Lee, famous forensic scientist, to retire

West Haven — Henry Lee, world-renowned forensic investigator and longtime professor at the University of New Haven, is retiring, but he’s not slowing down.

Lee, 81, who was involved in the murder trial of O.J. Simpson and the investigation into the death of JonBenét Ramsey, said Monday he will continue to teach and has three books and two movies in the works.

“It is with great admiration and appreciation that I share with you the news that Dr. Henry C. Lee, one of the foremost educators in the University of New Haven’s 100-year history, has announced that he will retire at the end of August, 2020,” UNH President Steven Kaplan wrote in an email Monday.

“Dr. Lee has indicated to me that he feels the time is right for him to take a step back to enable the University’s next generation of promising and talented faculty to step to the forefront. This is the type of incredibly thoughtful and humbling gesture that Henry has become known for throughout his distinguished tenure at the University.”

“If I retire, the younger faculty can continue. Meanwhile, I’m still helping students,” Lee said. “I have more freedom, so

I’m going to probably spend a good portion of time traveling.”

Lee, who was born in China, grew up in Taiwan and who immigrated to the United States in 1965, has taught at UNH since 1975.

Lee was head of the state forensics laboratory and commissioner of the state Department of Public Safety. As a state police investigator, he helped prosecutors convict Richard Crafts for the murder of his wife, Helle Crafts. In what became known as the “woodchipper murder,” Richard Crafts was the first person in Connecticut convicted without finding the victim’s body.