Nima Momeni, the man charged in the fatal stabbing of Cash App founder Bob Lee, makes his way into the courtroom for his arraignment in San Francisco on May 2, 2023. The murder trial began on Monday, a year and a half after Lee's death. (Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via The Associated Press)
The trial for Nima Momeni, charged with the fatal stabbing of Cash App founder Bob Lee, began Monday with Momeni's defense asserting that he acted in self-defense. According to Momeni’s attorneys, Lee, who was on a days-long drug binge, became aggressive, forcing Momeni to protect himself.
Prosecutors argue, however, that Momeni, 40, intentionally killed Lee on April 4, 2023, following a dispute over Momeni’s younger sister, Khazar, with whom Lee was close. They claim Momeni took a knife from his sister’s home, drove Lee to a remote area, and stabbed him three times before fleeing the scene.
Assistant District Attorney Omid Talai described the brutal nature of Lee's death, stating, “Stabbed through his heart and left to die.” Lee, 43, was found staggering on a deserted street in downtown San Francisco before succumbing to his injuries. His death shocked the tech community, where he was well-known and respected. Lee, a father of two, was the chief product officer at MobileCoin when he died.
Momeni has pleaded not guilty and faces up to 26 years to life in prison if convicted. Defense lawyer Saam Zangeneh told jurors that Lee, fueled by drugs and little sleep, had pulled a knife on Momeni, prompting the fatal encounter. Zangeneh emphasized that Momeni had no motive to harm Lee and was forced to defend himself.
Judge Alexandra Gordon informed jurors that the trial, held in San Francisco Superior Court, is expected to last two months.
During the trial, jurors heard a recording of Lee’s desperate 911 call after the stabbing, where he pleaded for help but was unable to provide details about his location or attacker. Members of Lee’s family, including his father, brother, and ex-wife, were present in the courtroom. Momeni’s mother also attended, supporting her son.
Prosecutors presented video evidence showing Momeni and Lee leaving Momeni’s sister’s residence shortly after 2 a.m. on the night of the stabbing. Footage later captured Momeni stabbing Lee near the Bay Bridge. A knife with both men's DNA was recovered at the scene.
The defense claims that Lee invited Momeni to a strip club the night of the stabbing and that friendly text exchanges between the two contradict the prosecution’s portrayal of the events. The trial continues, with both sides preparing to present further evidence.
