Conviction of Nima Momeni in Bob Lee’s Stabbing Brings Closure to a High-Profile Case That Sparked National Debate Over Crime, Safety, and Justice in San Francisco
A San Francisco jury has found tech entrepreneur Nima Momeni guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Bob Lee, the founder of the popular mobile payment app, Cash App.
Momeni, 40, now faces a sentence of 15 years to life in prison for the killing, which occurred in the early hours of 4 April 2023.
Details of the Fatal Night
Bob Lee, 43, was discovered unconscious in the city’s Rincon Hill neighborhood, suffering from two stab wounds to the chest. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Prosecutors argued that Momeni attacked Lee with a kitchen paring knife after a heated dispute. They claimed Momeni was upset over Lee introducing his sister, Khazar Momeni, to a man who gave her GHB, a drug often linked to sexual assault cases.
Autopsy reports revealed that Lee was under the influence of alcohol, ketamine, and cocaine at the time of his death. Prosecutors dismissed the defense’s claims of self-defense, questioning why Momeni failed to report the incident.
Trial and Verdict
After a six-week trial and seven days of deliberation, the jury convicted Momeni of second-degree murder but acquitted him of the more severe first-degree murder charge, which involves premeditation.
Following the verdict, Lee’s brother Oliver expressed relief:
“We’re happy that Nima Momeni won’t be on the streets, no longer has the opportunity to harm anyone else in this world,” he said.
Momeni’s defense team argued that Lee’s behavior, influenced by drug use, had been aggressive, claiming Momeni acted in self-defense. Momeni’s mother, Mahnaz Tayarani, described the trial as unfair and confirmed plans to appeal the conviction.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The case reignited debates about crime and public safety in San Francisco, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously criticizing the city for its violent crime rates.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, however, rejected claims of lawlessness, calling Musk’s remarks an attempt to shame the city.
“We knew it was something different,”
Jenkins stated after the conviction.
Momeni’s sentencing is scheduled for 10 January 2024.
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