Fifty Years of Forensics
- By Website Editor
- •
- 06 May, 2019
Dr. Henry Lee on Fifty Years of Progress and Finding Love Again at 82
Although his expert testimony sometimes clashes with popular opinion, one cannot deny Dr. Lee the respect his findings deserve in the face of 50 years of experience. Throughout the decades, Dr. Lee has observed remarkable changes--including the rise of media involvement in court proceedings. “We don’t know the case,” he says. “We only know what is in the media. When you sit in the room or in the jury box, you see all of the evidence not accounted for in the media.”
The corruption of the information we receive is colored even further by the way we receive it. “You have one story, and the way one channel reports it may be very different from the way another reports it.”
There is, perhaps, no case more infamous for its media coverage than the 1995 O.J. Simpson murder trial. But while the case was a veritable media circus, it was also hugely influential in changing investigative procedure. Dr. Lee gave testimony for the defense that certain pieces of evidence from the crime scene had not been processed properly or had been overlooked entirely. “The case set the national standard for crime scene investigation,” Dr. Lee explains. “In a double homicide, there should have been crime scene video. There shouldn’t have been anything overlooked. Evidence should not have been taken home by detectives. None of this says the defendant is guilty or innocent, but the evidence was not reliable.”
Ultimately, Dr. Lee hopes to be remembered for more than his work on the Simpson trial. He currently only investigates cold cases in which everyday people need help finding missing loved ones or bringing closure to cold case murders. “These are the cases dear to my heart,” he says.
Dr. Lee tells the story of a 72-year-old senior citizen, her disabled 42-year-old son, and her 8-year-old granddaughter, all three murdered in one weekend. “Nobody cares,” he says sadly. “So we want to help these people who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to find answers.”
The problematic investigative procedures of days gone by often interfere with this honorable effort, though. “Before 1998, nobody wore gloves,” he explains. “Police didn’t wear gloves, then take a piece of evidence to a lab tech, who didn’t wear gloves. The prosecutor examines it without gloves. Maybe they take it to trial and the defense attorney and jury handle it without gloves. Now we try to retest and find trace DNA that’s unreliable.”
It is heartwarming to know that after fifty years of service, Dr. Lee is able to devote himself to work that obviously brings him much fulfilment and joy -- and that joy spills over into his personal life, as well. “When my wife [Margaret] passed away two years ago, we had been married 57 years,” he says. “Her departure affected me very much and I missed her tremendously.” What he didn’t know, though, was that Margaret had planned ahead. “I learned that when her health began to deteriorate, she told her best friend that if she passed, she would send an angel to come and take care of me.” As luck would have it, one arrived. In December 2018, at 80 years old, Dr. Lee married entrepreneur Jiang Xiaping in a small ceremony in Connecticut.
“People asked me “Why remarry?” Life is short. Having a partner to walk with you and share your happiness is important. You can’t withdraw from the world.”
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Dr. Lee says that he loves to travel with his new wife! She will accompany him to CrimeCon 2019 in New Orleans, where he will take the stage to reflect on a career spanning half a century. Come prepared with questions for the audience Q&A and your phone for the meet & greet immediately following his session!
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
