In a dramatic end to a nearly two-decade-long manhunt, Tuen Kit Lee, known infamously as the "Bad Breath Rapist," has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Tuen Kit Lee's long evasion of justice concluded as he hung his head in court, receiving a sentence for crimes dating back to 2005, as the Daily Mail reports.

On Feb. 2, 2005, in Boston, Massachusetts, Tuen Kit Lee, managing his family's restaurant, committed a heinous act.

He sexually assaulted a 21-year-old junior employee at knifepoint, a crime marked distinctly by his notably bad breath -- caused by his use of traditional herbal medicines. This odd detail later became a critical component in his identification.

The assault was vigorously investigated, and DNA evidence was used to confirm the victim’s account, leading to Lee’s arrest.

Prosecutors aimed to bring Lee to trial, which was set for September 2007. However, just before he could testify, Lee vanished, sparking a lengthy international search.

The Long Road to Justice Begins

Lee's escape did not discourage law enforcement. In 2014, an investigator relaunched the investigation as a cold case, reigniting efforts to locate Lee.

The breakthrough came on May 28, 2023, when Lee was found living under an alias "Randy Lee" in a mansion near San Francisco. His lavish lifestyle was funded by his wealthy, oblivious girlfriend.

The capture was a combined effort of the Massachusetts State Police and U.S. Marshals, who spent years tracing Lee’s movements across the globe. Upon his arrest, the true extent of his deception was revealed to his girlfriend, shocking her, as described by U.S. Marshals Senior Inspector Chris Tamayo.

Impact on the Victims and Community

The courtroom was heavy with emotion as Lee faced sentencing in 2024. Lee, now 55, apologized, hoping for divine forgiveness after his capture and subsequent trial.

His victim, however, detailed the lingering trauma she had endured since the attack, emphasizing the devastating and far-reaching impacts on her life.

During the trial, defense attorney Philip Tracy portrayed Lee as a man who attempted to escape the horrors he faced in jail due to past abuses. Despite these claims, the court sentenced Lee to 18-20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised probation, including mandatory registration as a sex offender.

Lessons to Learn

1. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in workplace environments where power dynamics can be manipulated.

2. Trust in law enforcement and the justice system; persistent efforts can bring criminals to justice, even after many years.

3. It's crucial to support assault survivors and provide them with resources to cope with their trauma. Remember, victim-blaming is unacceptable, and crime can occur to anyone.

Why This Story Matters

The resolution of this case serves as a powerful reminder of the capabilities of modern law enforcement techniques, such as DNA testing and international cooperation in law enforcement. It importantly underscores the community's role in aiding justice, either through vigilance or support for the affected individuals.

In conclusion, the capture and sentencing of Tuen Kit Lee, after years of evasion, marks a significant chapter in the fight against sexual violence and underscores the importance of persistence and cooperation in law enforcement.

This story of resolution brings some peace to the victim and her family and serves as a stern reminder of the consequences awaiting those who flee justice.