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Tech Consultant Testifies in Defense Over Bob Lee’s Stabbing Incident
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A tech consultant charged with the stabbing death of Cash App founder Bob Lee took the stand on Wednesday, claiming his actions were a response to an unexpected attack. Nima Momeni stated that during a night filled with drinking and drugs, he attempted to lighten the mood with a “bad joke,” which he alleges provoked Lee’s sudden aggression.
In his testimony, Momeni recounted that he suggested Lee may want to spend his final night in San Francisco connecting with family rather than seeking out a strip club. Momeni claimed that Lee reacted violently, brandishing a knife and initiating an attack that left Momeni feeling compelled to defend himself.
After the altercation, Momeni testified that Lee walked away without displaying any signs of injury. Upon discovering Lee’s death the next day, Momeni sought legal counsel.
“He’s a big famous guy,” Momeni reflected in court. “I’m just an average joe, an immigrant.”
Bob Lee, 43, was discovered wounded on a desolate street in San Francisco, where he was heard calling for help. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at a hospital.
Prosecutors contend that Momeni, 40, had meticulously orchestrated the attack on April 4, 2023. They allege that the motivation stemmed from a dispute regarding Momeni’s younger sister, Khazar, who was friends with Lee. According to the prosecution, Momeni retrieved a knife from a distinctive set in his sister’s home, drove Lee to a secluded location, and attacked him.
The defense, however, argues that Lee was exhibiting erratic and aggressive behavior following a multi-day binge involving alcohol and drugs, specifically cocaine and ketamine.
Momeni, who has pleaded not guilty, faces a potential sentence of 26 years to life in prison if convicted.
In court, Momeni described how he and Lee had been on good terms until they were ejected from his sister’s condo around 2 a.m. after a lengthy night of partying. Following their departure, Momeni recounted driving with Lee as he searched for a new venue to visit. An unexpected bump in the road led Lee to spill his drink, prompting him to exit the vehicle. Momeni followed, concerned that Lee might be unwell.
At this point, Momeni claimed he made the ill-timed joke about family, and he asserted that Lee’s demeanor shifted dramatically in response.
“He just went from zero to 100,” Momeni described, noting the visible anger on Lee’s face.
During cross-examination, Assistant District Attorney Omid Talai questioned the credibility of Momeni’s account, expressing disbelief that a mere joke could incite such a severe reaction. “He wanted to kill you over a bad joke?” Talai asked, clearly skeptical.
Momeni defended his position, maintaining that he felt genuinely threatened. “I’m not sure why he pulled it out,” he reiterated, referencing the knife.
As legal proceedings continue, the cross-examination of Momeni is set to resume. Surveillance footage capturing Lee’s last night indicates he was seen entering the Millennium Tower, where Momeni’s sister resides, just before the fatal incident.
Prosecutors assert that the stabbing occurred after the two men parked in an isolated area near the Bay Bridge, whereas the defense maintains that the confrontation unfolded differently. Investigating officers discovered a knife nearby, which reportedly bore Momeni’s DNA on the handle and Lee’s on the blade. However, defense experts criticized the investigation, suggesting that more thorough fingerprint testing should have been conducted.
The tragic death of Bob Lee has reverberated through the tech community, with numerous tributes commemorating his contributions and generous spirit. At the time of his death, Lee served as the chief product officer at MobileCoin and was a father to two children.
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