Bob Lee Verdict: Cash App Creator’s Killer Convicted of Second-Degree Murder
A San Francisco jury has convicted Nima Momeni of second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of Bob Lee, the creator of Cash App and former CTO of Block. The verdict, delivered Tuesday, clears Momeni of first-degree murder, indicating the jury found that the killing was not premeditated.
The Incident
Bob Lee, 43, was killed in downtown San Francisco in April 2023. Prosecutors presented evidence of a two-day drug binge involving Lee and Khazar Momeni, Nima’s sister, which culminated in Lee’s death. During the trial, they alleged that Lee’s drug dealer had sexually assaulted Khazar, sparking a confrontation in which Nima stabbed Lee with a kitchen knife taken from his sister’s home.
The defense, however, claimed the killing was unintentional. According to their narrative, Nima Momeni accompanied Lee on a walk near the Bay Bridge, where he urged Lee to spend more time with his family rather than partying. They alleged that Lee became agitated and attacked Momeni with a knife, forcing Momeni to defend himself. Momeni testified he had no ill will toward Lee.
Despite this defense, video footage of the incident and forensic evidence proved critical. The footage showed Momeni as the aggressor, and DNA testing confirmed his fingerprints on the knife handle.
The Sentence
Momeni now faces 16 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for a later date. Second-degree murder typically carries a less severe sentence than first-degree murder but still involves significant prison time.
Bob Lee’s Legacy
At the time of his death, Lee was the chief product officer at MobileCoin, a cryptocurrency company. His career was marked by pioneering achievements in tech:
- He developed Cash App while working at Jack Dorsey’s Block.
- He played a key role in creating the Android operating system during his time at Google.
- As an investor, Lee supported companies like SpaceX, Clubhouse, Tile, and Figma.
Peers and colleagues remembered Lee as a visionary in the tech world. Dylan Field, CEO of Figma, recalled Lee’s early mentorship when Field was just 14. Jack Dorsey praised Lee for his instrumental contributions to Square (now Block).
Misconceptions About the Case
Initially, Lee’s murder fueled speculation about San Francisco’s struggles with homelessness and crime. However, as the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the tech executive’s death was a personal matter: Lee and Momeni knew each other.
The case serves as a tragic reminder of the complexities behind high-profile incidents, even as it underscores the profound legacy left by Lee in the tech industry.
