Editor’s note: This story includes a description regarding the rape.
A Massachusetts man known as the “Bad Breath Rapist” was found in California after more than 16 years on the run, according to the U.S. Marshalls office.
On Feb. 2, 2005, officials said a man named Tuen Kit Lee had broken into the home of a waitress at Kagawa, his family’s restaurant in Quincy, and held her at knifepoint. He was wearing a mask, police said.
The suspect zip-tied the woman to a bed face-down, then raped her, police said. He left her zip-tied to the bed and she was not found until several hours later by her boyfriend, who went to her house after he wasn’t able to reach her by phone, police said.
The woman had told police the man who raped her had foul breath, police said, which was among officials’ evidence establishing Lee as the rapist, and he was subsequently known as the “Bad Breath Rapist.”
Lee testified at trial in Norfolk Superior Court in 2007, police said, but did not return to court for closing arguments and had been facing a life sentence if convicted. In his absence, police stated the man had been convicted of the rape.
He remained on the run for more than 16 years.
In 2023, Massachusetts State Police announced it was offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Lee’s arrest.
The U.S. Marshalls office said Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section recently got information that Lee was possibly staying in Diablo, California. Investigators went to northern California to work with Danville Police Department. Together, officials were able to confirm Lee was in the area.
He was arrested Tuesday.
“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 Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force 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.”
If you are a victim of sexual assault, you are not alone.
Rape Crisis Centers in Massachusetts offer free, confidential services for adolescent and adult survivors as well as their loved ones.
Crisis centers operate a 24/7 toll-free hotline for phone counseling, questions and referrals. For a full list of regional crisis centers, click here.
SafeLink offers a 24/7 toll-free hotline:
- (877) 785-2020
- (877) 521-2601 (TTY)
