According to prosecutors, the CCTV footage supports their claim that the murder was premeditated. Momeni allegedly drove to a secluded area before the attack. The San Francisco Standard reported that the footage showed Lee walking down an empty alleyway, seeking help, and later stumbling towards a parked car to reveal his wound. However, the vehicle drove off before Lee collapsed to the ground. Police found Lee unconscious in the Rincon Hill neighborhood with fatal stab wounds.
While prosecutors did not present a specific motive, they mentioned DNA evidence that challenges Momeni’s self-defense claim. The court documents revealed that a witness stated Momeni had questioned Lee about his sister’s activities on the night before the stabbing, raising questions about their interaction. Defense lawyer Paula Canny argued that the CCTV footage does not provide sufficient evidence.
Nima Momeni has a history of legal issues, including a past arrest for drunk driving in 2004 and a dismissed 2011 case involving a misdemeanour for carrying a switchblade. Public records indicate that Momeni’s IT consulting business faced difficulties, and acquaintances described him as an introvert. Bob Lee’s death initially raised concerns about public safety in San Francisco until it was revealed that the suspect had a prior connection to the victim.
As the trial progresses, Momeni, who is not a US citizen, may face deportation to Iran if convicted. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of Bob Lee’s role as the founder of Cash App and the impact on public perception of rising crime rates in the city. The outcome of the trial will determine the fate of both the accused and the legacy of the victim.
