Murder Trial of Cash App Founder Bob Lee’s Accused Killer Begins: Tech Consultant Nima Momeni Faces Life Sentence
The high-profile murder trial of Nima Momeni, a tech consultant accused of fatally stabbing Bob Lee, the founder of Cash App, began Monday in San Francisco. The trial comes 18 months after Lee’s tragic death, which shook the tech industry and prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues who admired his brilliance and generosity.
At the time of his death, Lee, 43, served as the chief product officer of cryptocurrency platform MobileCoin. He was also a father of two, making his untimely death even more devastating.
Prosecution: Momeni Planned the Fatal Attack
According to prosecutors, the fatal encounter on April 4, 2023, was premeditated. They allege that Momeni, 40, confronted Lee after a disagreement involving Momeni’s sister, Khazar. Lee, a friend of Khazar’s, had been with her the night before, sparking concern from Momeni, who questioned whether his sister was using drugs or engaging in inappropriate behavior.
Prosecutors say Momeni took a knife from Khazar’s condo in the luxurious Millennium Tower, drove Lee to a secluded part of the Rincon Hill neighborhood, and stabbed him three times before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage shows both men leaving the building around 2 a.m. in Momeni’s car. Lee was found minutes later, staggering on the street, and later died at a hospital.
A knife with a 4-inch blade, found at the scene, carried Momeni’s DNA on the handle and Lee’s DNA on the bloody blade, according to prosecutors.
Defense: Momeni Acted in Self-Defense
Momeni, who has pleaded not guilty, claims he acted in self-defense. His lawyer, Saam Zangeneh, argues that Lee, allegedly under the influence of drugs, attacked Momeni first. “Our theory is that Bob had the knife, and Nima acted to protect himself,” Zangeneh said.
Although Momeni is eager to testify, the defense has not yet decided whether he will take the stand.
Trial Expected to Run Through December
Momeni has remained in custody since his arrest shortly after Lee’s death. His mother has attended every hearing, underscoring the family’s support, and he remains close to his sister, Khazar.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Alexandra Gordon informed jurors that the trial could last until mid-December. If convicted, Momeni faces 26 years to life in prison.
This high-stakes trial is drawing significant attention, not only because of the tech community’s deep ties to Lee but also due to the complex narrative surrounding drugs, relationships, and violence.
Source : Swifteradio.com
