AFTER SEVEN WEEKS of trial and 7 days of deliberations, jurors on Tuesday discovered Nima Momeni responsible of second-degree homicide for fatally stabbing Money App founder Bob Lee beneath the Bay Bridge in San Francisco final 12 months.
The useless silent courtroom on the Corridor of Justice was filled with household and mates of each Lee and Momeni who waited anxiously to listen to the decision.
Because the court docket clerk learn out that Momeni was discovered responsible of second-degree homicide, a few of Lee’s family members let loose a sigh of aid with tears of their eyes.
Money App developer Bob Lee in an undated picture. The 43-year-old software program engineer was fatally stabbed on April 4, 2023. (Wikipedia)
Momeni sat stoically whereas his protection lawyer Tony Brass rubbed his arm. Momeni checked out every juror as they individually replied “yes” when San Francisco Superior Court docket Decide Alexandra Gordon requested them in the event that they agreed with the choice.
Outdoors of the courtroom, Lee’s rapid household and ex-wife Krista Lee spoke to the media.
“We’re happy that Nima Momeni will not be on the streets and no longer has the opportunity to harm anybody else in this world,” mentioned Timothy Oliver Lee, the brother of Bob Lee. “The verdict of murder two will put him away for a long time.”
Second-degree homicide signifies that the jury believes Momeni supposed to kill Lee or inflict nice bodily hurt with none authorized justification nor premeditation. The conviction carries 16 years to life in jail, District Legal professional Brooke Jenkins mentioned.
‘The blood is on their hands’
Lee’s family members additionally mentioned they wished Momeni’s household to really feel simply as responsible.
“Not only did Nima perpetrate this crime, but also the people in his immediate circle were helpful in trying to cover it up,” Timothy Oliver mentioned.
“The blood is on their hands,” Krista mentioned. “The mother, the sister, the brother in-law. Our fight is not over yet.”
Krista believes that Momeni’s relations must also be held accountable for allegedly taking steps to attempt to cowl up Momeni’s actions.
Proof through the trial revealed that Momeni granted his sister and mom the ability of lawyer a couple of days after the stabbing to promote his BMW, the identical automobile that he fled the scene in. Momeni additionally saved the automobile at his mom’s home in a carport instantly after Lee’s demise, in response to Assistant District Legal professional Omid Talai.
Krista additionally mentioned that since Bob’s stabbing, she discovered about Momeni’s alleged historical past of a violent streak.
Bob Lee’s ex-wife Krista Lee, his father Rick Lee and his brother Timothy Oliver Lee converse to reporters after a jury convicted Nima Momeni of second-degree homicide on Dec. 17, 2024. (Illustration by Glenn Gehlke/Native Information Issues. Photograph by Alise Maripuu/Bay Metropolis Information)
“In the last 18 months, I have received overwhelming information in regards to Mr. Momeni’s behavior, his abusive nature, people he has stabbed before, women he has abused before,” Krista mentioned after the decision in an interview. “This man deserves life in prison as far as I’m concerned. I’m glad that he’s off the streets and I urge anyone to come forward who has ever been attacked by him and tell their stories.”
Mahnaz Tayarani, who’s the mom of Momeni, was upset in Tuesday’s verdict and defended her son’s character whereas chatting with the media.
“My son is not such a person,” she mentioned. “He is the kindest person. Every mother would love to have a son like him … this is not a fair trial.”
Krista additionally had sturdy phrases for Khazar Momeni, the sister of Nima.
Bob knew Khazar and frolicked together with her the day earlier than the homicide. The prosecution argued that Nima stabbed Bob in a match of rage as a result of he believed Bob was concerned in Khazar allegedly being sexually assaulted and ingesting date-rape medicine.
“If it wasn’t for Khazar’s manipulation, drug abuse and promiscuity, this wouldn’t have happened,” Krista mentioned.
‘This is a very painful day’
Throughout her testimony, Khazar mentioned she was utilizing medicine together with cocaine and nitrous oxide the day earlier than the homicide. She additionally mentioned that Jeremy Boivin, a drug vendor who Bob launched Khazar to, allegedly pulled down her pants and slapped her butt with out consent.
Surveillance footage of that night time confirmed that through the time of the alleged assault, Bob was spending time at totally different bars together with his good friend Bo Mohazzabi.
The majority of Momeni’s five-member protection crew didn’t attend the studying of the decision in particular person. Outdoors of the courtroom, Brass informed reporters that the choice of second-degree homicide was surprising.
“This is a very painful day and this is not the end of the story,” Brass mentioned. “We were surprised this wasn’t a lesser verdict and we intend to see what we can do to continue to fight.”
Jenkins informed the press that sentencing will possible happen in February or March of subsequent 12 months.
Lee’s household is content material with the decision and is hoping that it’ll assist convey closure and solace surrounding his demise.
“All the way back for the last 18 months, this has been an extremely hard process to be able to try and get through,” Timothy Oliver mentioned. “We’re happy this part’s over and we’re happy it’s a guilty verdict. He is being held accountable for his actions and so now we can start healing, trying to come together more as a family to try and move on from this.”
