Tuen Kit Lee, known as the "Bad Breath Rapist," has been taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and Massachusetts law enforcement officials after nearly 17 years of eluding capture.
Massachusetts authorities have nabbed a fugitive who gained infamy as the "Bad Breath Rapist" after he vanished during his trial for a violent 2005 assault.
Tuen Kit Lee, 55, was apprehended on Tuesday in California by a joint task force comprised of the U.S. Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force, Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force, Massachusetts State Police, and Quincy Police Department.
Lee had been on the run since September 2007, when he fled before being sentenced for kidnapping and raping a waitress in Quincy, Massachusetts. According to court records, Lee broke into the victim's home, wore a mask, held her at knifepoint, and zip-tied her to the bed before sexually assaulting her.
The victim later identified Lee as the perpetrator by his distinctive bad breath, prompting media outlets to dub him the "Bad Breath Rapist."
Despite his conviction, Lee vanished before sentencing, leaving authorities perplexed and the victim's family in agony. However, a recent tip led to his location in Diablo, California.
State police contacted U.S. marshals in northern California, who confirmed Lee's presence in the area. On Tuesday morning, the task force apprehended Lee, ending a 16-year search.
"There are violent offenders out there who believe they can commit crimes and not be held accountable for their actions," said Chief Inspector Sean LoPiccolo, acting PSWRFTF commander. "Tuen Lee was on the run for more than 16 years and the unwavering dedication by law enforcement to locate and arrest him hopefully brings peace of mind to the victim and her family."
Lee's capture is a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement agencies. The victim, who has endured years of pain and uncertainty, can finally find some closure.
The arrest also serves as a reminder that even the most elusive criminals can be brought to justice. Lee will now face the consequences of his actions, as he is expected to be extradited to Massachusetts to face his sentence.
