Fugitive known as “Bad Breath Rapist” arrested after 16 years on the run

DUBLIN, Calif. (TCD) – A Massachusetts man nicknamed the “Bad Breath Rapist” was captured in Northern California over the weekend after being on the run for 16 years.

The US Marshals Service announced Tuen Kit Lee was arrested on Tuesday, May 28, after investigators found him in Diablo, which is in the East Bay near Oakland. Officers from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force, Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and others, assisted in Lee’s arrest.

According to the Massachusetts State Police On February 2, 2005, Lee broke into a co-worker’s house wearing a mask, tied her face down to the bed with zip ties, and raped her at knifepoint. The victim allegedly worked at the restaurant owned by Lee’s family. Her boyfriend found her hours later.

He was later arrested and charged with aggravated rape, home invasion, kidnapping, armed burglary, armed robbery under cover, and other charges. He posted bail and testified during his 2007 trial, but did not appear for closing arguments. Lee faced a life sentence in prison. By that time, he had fled the state.

Massachusetts State Police said Lee was nicknamed the “Bad Breath Rapist” because he was “ultimately identified by his DNA and his terrible breath.”

Earlier this year, investigators had a break in the case when they found a photo on social media of someone they believed to be Lee. They also linked him to a multimillion-dollar home in Diablo registered in the name of a flower shop owner.

Massachusetts State Police said in their statement that on May 28, officers saw a woman and a man leave the house and get into a car. Danville police conducted a traffic stop and Lee allegedly initially gave a false identity. However, he later “eventually confessed when asked his true identity.” Lee was in a relationship with the woman for 15 years and she reportedly “never knew who he really was.”

Lee is extradited to Massachusetts to face charges.

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