Wecht Institute Celebrating Career of Dr. Henry Lee at New Honorary Program

The Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law will honor the work and career of Dr. Henry Lee, one of the world’s foremost criminalists, at their inaugural Pioneers of Forensic Science conference next month.

Dr. Henry Lee: A Life in Criminalistics will be held on Thursday, June 1, and Friday, June 2, at Duquesne. Early bird registration and fee discounts close Friday, April 28, and overall registration is open until Thursday, May 25.

Lee is known for his work on cases including the JonBenét Ramsey homicide; the O.J. Simpson case; the Washington, D.C., sniper shootings; the death of Deputy White House Counsel Vincent Foster; and the investigation into the disappearance and death of Florida toddler Caylee Anthony.

“We’re thrilled to be taking the occasion of this new series to honor the institute’s longtime friend and advisor, Dr. Henry Lee,” said Ben Wecht, program administrator. “Dr. Lee’s illustrious career in criminalistics will be sure to fascinate and educate.”

Now Connecticut’s chief emeritus of scientific services, Dr. Lee has served as that state’s commissioner of public safety, forensic science laboratory director, and chief criminalist. He is founder of the University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science and namesake of its Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. Dr. Lee also serves as editor of several academic journals and has authored more than 30 books.

The conference will feature scholarly presentations by forensic pathologist Michael Baden; legendary trial attorney F. Lee Bailey; criminal defense litigator Mark Geragos; Chief Connecticut State Attorney Kevin Kane; author Katherine Ramsland; Victor Weedn, professor of forensic sciences at Columbia University; and the Institute’s namesake, Dr. Cyril Wecht.

Duquesne University President Ken Gormley will moderate the panel discussion, O.J. Simpson: An Interdisciplinary Retrospective on the Case that Brought Forensic Science to the World, during the conference.

There will also be a reception and dinner program in Dr. Lee’s honor. A full program agenda can be found here.

Visit the conference website for more information, such as registration, cost and continuing education credits.