Man convicted of 2005 Quincy rape held without bail after 16 years on the run – NBC Boston

A man convicted of raping a co-worker at knifepoint in Quincy, Massachusetts in 2005 appeared in a Massachusetts court on Wednesday for the first time since fleeing the state in the middle of his trial in 2007, authorities said.

Prosecutors have said Tuen K. Lee broke into a co-worker’s Quincy home in 2005 and raped her. He was arrested and tried, but prosecutors say Lee left the state during the trial. Several witnesses had testified, the Commonwealth was resting at the time and Lee had testified, and the jury continued deliberations.

They ultimately convicted Lee of four counts of aggravated rape, one count of kidnapping, one count of assault with intent to rape, one count of indecent assault and battery and one count of battery, Norfolk Assistant District Attorney Lisa Beatty said at Wednesday’s hearing in Norfolk Superior Court.

“The Commonwealth appreciates the efforts of law enforcement, including the State Police Violent Fugitive Unit, Quincy Police and the U.S. Marshals, in ensuring the defendant’s appearance here today,” Beatty said.

He faces a life sentence for these charges.

When Lee failed to appear in court, law enforcement began searching for him. In July 2023, authorities offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture. In 2024, state police made a breakthrough in the case when they traced Lee’s whereabouts to a home in Diablo, a town in Danville, California.

The U.S. Marshals Service’s Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Taskforce was called in and worked with local authorities to confirm that Lee was staying at a multi-million dollar home owned by a flower shop owner. Lee was taken into custody last week.

According to Massachusetts State Police, Lee gave a false name but eventually confessed his true identity. Investigators believe the woman he dated for 15 years never knew who he really was.

The prosecution requested that Lee’s bail be revoked and that sentencing in the 2005 case be initiated.

Lee’s attorney, Phil A. Tracy Jr., said in court Wednesday that Lee was “so emotionally upset” when he visited him before the trial that they were unable to discuss the proceedings. He asked for more time and said it may be necessary for a medical examiner to examine his client to determine whether he is competent and able to assist in the case before sentencing.

Tracy noted that he represented Lee in the original case, but given the length of time the case had been going on, he needed time to review the file.

The judge revoked Lee’s bail and ordered Tracy to take more time to speak with his client and decide if further action or a formal investigation was necessary. Sentencing was scheduled for June 20.

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