Photo: Pool / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Nima Momeni, convicted of the 2023 stabbing death of Cash App founder Bob Lee, has been sentenced to 16 years to life in prison. The sentence was handed down on Tuesday (November 10) in San Francisco Superior Court, nearly two years after Momeni was found guilty of second-degree murder in December 2024. The judge also included an additional year for a weapons enhancement, as reported by Courthouse News.
The incident occurred in April 2023 beneath the Bay Bridge, where Momeni stabbed Lee three times with a kitchen knife. Prosecutors argued that Momeni acted in a fit of rage after learning that Lee had been doing drugs with Momeni's sister, Khazar, and introduced her to a drug dealer who allegedly assaulted her. Momeni, however, claimed he acted in self-defense, stating that Lee attacked him first, according to KTVU.
During the sentencing, Lee's family members, including his brother Oliver Lee and his 18-year-old daughter Scout Lee, addressed the court. Scout expressed the profound impact her father's death has had on her life, saying, "My world did not just shift... it shattered." Momeni also spoke, acknowledging the pain caused but stopping short of taking full responsibility.
Momeni's mother, Mahnaz Tayarani, expressed her support for her son, asking the judge to consider the complexities of the case and describing Momeni as "respectful, hardworking and generous." She also confirmed that Momeni plans to appeal his conviction, stating her belief in his innocence.
Momeni's legal team had previously attempted to overturn the conviction, citing alleged racial bias and other legal errors, but these motions were denied by the court. The defense argued that Momeni's rights were violated during the trial, pointing to a video that showed Momeni speaking with a lawyer, which they claimed was privileged and should not have been admitted as evidence.
The case has drawn significant attention, with ongoing legal battles, including a wrongful death suit filed by Lee's family against Momeni's sister and mother. Momeni has also sued several media outlets over their coverage of the case, though this lawsuit was struck down earlier this year.