A San Francisco jury found tech consultant Nima Momeni guilty of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Cash App founder Bob Lee, rejecting Momeni’s self-defense claim, The Associated Press reports.
The verdict, reached after seven days of deliberation, carries a sentence of 16 years to life in prison.
Lee, 43, a prominent figure in the tech world, was found critically injured on a downtown San Francisco street on April 4, 2023, and later died at a hospital.
Prosecutors argued that Momeni intentionally drove Lee to an isolated location under the Bay Bridge and stabbed him three times, including a fatal wound to the heart. They presented evidence suggesting Momeni’s anger stemmed from Lee’s involvement with Momeni’s younger sister, who alleged she was drugged and assaulted by a man Lee introduced her to.
Momeni, however, testified that Lee initiated the altercation, claiming Lee attacked him with a knife after Momeni questioned his late-night activities. Momeni, who practices martial arts, stated he was unaware of the severity of Lee’s injuries.
The case garnered national attention, fueled by Lee’s high profile and initial discussions surrounding public safety in San Francisco. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins emphasized the verdict’s significance, stating it demonstrated accountability for a targeted crime and refuted claims of widespread lawlessness in the city.
The defense, led by Tony Brass, expressed disappointment with the verdict and indicated plans to explore an appeal. The jury rejected the more serious charge of first-degree murder, which requires proof of premeditation, opting instead for the second-degree charge.
The trial featured testimony from family members of both Lee and Momeni, along with forensic evidence including DNA found on the murder weapon.
