Bob Lee Verdict: Cash App Creator's Killer Found Guilty

Bob Lee Murder: Nima Momeni Found Guilty

A San Francisco jury has delivered a verdict in the case of Bob Lee’s death, finding Nima Momeni guilty of second-degree murder. This decision, reported by NBC Bay Area on Tuesday, indicates the jury did not believe Lee’s murder was a premeditated act.

Details of the Case

Bob Lee, the creator of Cash App and former CTO of Block, was fatally stabbed in downtown San Francisco in April 2023. The prosecution presented evidence detailing a two-day period of drug use by Lee with Khazar Momeni, Nima Momeni’s sister, leading up to the incident.

Prosecutors argued that a sexual assault on Khazar Momeni by a friend and drug dealer of Lee instigated a confrontation. This escalated into Nima Momeni stabbing Lee with a kitchen knife obtained from his sister’s residence.

The Defense's Account

The defense offered a contrasting narrative. Nima Momeni testified that he and Lee were walking near the Bay Bridge on the night of the stabbing.

He claimed he was attempting to persuade Lee to prioritize time with his family over frequent partying. The defense asserted that Lee initiated a physical attack with a knife, prompting Momeni to act in self-defense and disarm his assailant.

Momeni maintained he harbored no ill will towards Lee.

Evidence and Verdict

However, video evidence suggested Momeni was the initial aggressor in the altercation. Furthermore, forensic analysis revealed Momeni’s DNA on the knife’s handle.

Sentencing and Potential Penalties

While first-degree murder typically carries a more severe sentence, both classifications result in substantial prison terms. Momeni now faces a potential sentence of 16 years to life in prison, with the sentencing date yet to be determined.

Bob Lee's Background and Legacy

At the time of his death, 43-year-old Lee served as the chief product officer at MobileCoin. Previously, he spearheaded technological advancements at Jack Dorsey’s Block, where he was the architect of the Cash App mobile payment service.

Lee was also an early investor in prominent companies such as SpaceX, Clubhouse, Tile, and Figma. He played a key role in the development of the Android operating system while at Google in his early career.

Industry Reaction

Following Lee’s death, colleagues and industry leaders lauded his contributions to the tech sector. Dylan Field, CEO of Figma, recalled Lee’s early support when he was just 14 years old.

Jack Dorsey emphasized Lee’s pivotal role in the creation of Square, which later evolved into Block.

Initial Misconceptions

In the immediate aftermath of Lee’s murder, speculation arose suggesting a random act of violence linked to San Francisco’s issues with homelessness and crime. It was later revealed that Lee knew his killer, dispelling those initial theories.