Tech Entrepreneur Convicted in Cash App Founder Bob Lee’s Stabbing Death

A San Francisco jury has found tech entrepreneur Nima Momeni guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Bob Lee, the founder of mobile payment service Cash App. Momeni, 40, now faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison.

The verdict comes after seven days of deliberation and a six-week trial that revealed details of a drug-fueled evening on 4 April 2023, when Lee, 43, was fatally stabbed in San Francisco’s Rincon Hill neighborhood. Authorities found Lee unconscious with two stab wounds to his chest, and he later died in hospital.

Prosecutors argued that Momeni attacked Lee using a kitchen paring knife, angered by Lee’s introduction of Momeni’s sister, Khazar Momeni, to a man who reportedly gave her GHB—a drug commonly associated with sexual assault.

The defence countered with claims of self-defence, stating that a dispute escalated after Lee allegedly lunged at Momeni with a knife following a “bad joke” about Lee’s family. However, prosecutors questioned why Momeni never reported an attack to police and argued that the defendant’s account lacked credibility.

Autopsy results showed Lee had alcohol, ketamine, and cocaine in his system, which defence attorneys cited as evidence of behavior they described as erratic and aggressive.

Following the conviction, Lee’s brother, Oliver Lee, expressed relief:

“We’re happy that Nima Momeni won’t be on the streets and no longer has the opportunity to harm anyone else in this world.”

Meanwhile, Momeni’s mother, Mahnaz Tayarani, criticized the verdict and pledged an appeal:

“I know my son… This is not a fair trial. We are victims of drug abuse.”

The high-profile killing of Bob Lee sparked widespread concern over safety in San Francisco, with prominent tech figures, including Elon Musk, highlighting fears of rising crime in the Bay Area.

Though Momeni was found guilty of second-degree murder—which does not require premeditation—he avoided a conviction on the more serious charge of first-degree murder.