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In this article, we’ll examine the recent release of the autopsy report that sheds light on the tragic death of Cash App founder, Bob Lee, and the ongoing investigation into the accused murderer, Nima Momeni.
Key Takeaways:
- Autopsy report reveals Cash App founder Bob Lee died from stab wounds to heart and lung during surgery
- Toxicology test shows presence of alcohol, cocaine, ketamine, and allergy medication in Lee’s system
- Nima Momeni, a technology consultant, has been accused of murder and could be sentenced to 26 years to life imprisonment if found guilty.
- Defense attorney emphasizes Lee’s drug use as potential factor in case
- Prosecutors claim Momeni stabbed Lee over a dispute involving Momeni’s sister
Autopsy and Toxicology Findings
On Tuesday, the results of an autopsy were made public, stating that Bob Lee, the creator of Cash App, passed away while undergoing surgery.
The report indicated that he had been stabbed, causing damage to both his heart and lung.
The San Francisco Medical Examiner conducted an 18-page autopsy report, which was critical in determining the cause of Lee’s death.
Furthermore, a toxicology test performed on Lee discovered the presence of alcohol, cocaine, ketamine, and allergy medication in his system.
Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Ellen Moffatt concluded that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds, and the manner and method of death was homicide by sharp injury.
The Accused: Nima Momeni
Nima Momeni, a 38-year-old tech consultant, has been charged with murder and a sentencing enhancement of using a knife in connection to the stabbing death of Bob Lee on April 4.
If convicted, Momeni could face a prison sentence of 26 years to life.
A plea hearing scheduled for Tuesday was postponed until May 18, as Momeni’s defense attorney, Paula Canny, requested additional time to prepare.
Defense Attorney’s Perspective
Paula Canny, Momeni’s defense attorney, emphasized outside the courtroom that Lee’s drug use might have contributed to him making poor decisions.
Canny made a provocative statement, comparing Lee’s system to “the Walgreens of recreational drugs.”
Canny elaborated, explaining that individuals under the influence of drugs tend to behave differently, often making bad decisions and engaging in dangerous activities.
However, she did not clarify whether her client, Momeni, had also consumed drugs with Lee, who was described as his acquaintance.
Prosecution’s Case
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins argued that defense attorneys often try to tarnish the character of homicide victims as part of their defense strategy.
Jenkins emphasized that drug use should not be considered a justification for murder.
According to prosecutors, Momeni drove Lee to a secluded location and stabbed him due to a disagreement related to Momeni’s sister.
Legal records show that Momeni was implicated in Lee’s death based on evidence gathered from a friend who was with Lee the day prior, and surveillance footage.
Chilling Surveillance Footage
Lee’s anonymous friend shared with investigators that they had encountered Khazar Elyassnia, Momeni’s sister, drinking alcohol with a stranger at an apartment.
The identity of both the friend and the man present remains unknown.
The friend stated that they left the apartment with Lee and went to his hotel room, where a conversation took place between Momeni and Lee.
Momeni allegedly questioned Lee about whether his younger sister was engaging in drug use or any other inappropriate behavior.
Later that night, surveillance footage captured Lee and Momeni leaving the high-end Millennium Tower and driving off in Momeni’s BMW.
According to the prosecutors, Momeni drove Lee to a place that was dark and isolated, stopped the car, and used a kitchen knife to attack Lee.
He stabbed Lee three times, with one of the stabs hitting his heart. Momeni then allegedly drove away, leaving Lee to die slowly.
Police recovered a 4-inch (10-centimeter) blade at the scene.
Momeni’s Previous Legal Troubles
In addition to the murder charge, Nima Momeni has had previous encounters with law enforcement.
In August 2022, Momeni was cited and released on a misdemeanor battery charge in Emeryville after a woman claimed that he physically assaulted her during a heated argument at a local bar.
Momeni denied the allegations, and the case was ultimately dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Moreover, in February 2023, Momeni faced charges for driving under the influence (DUI) in San Francisco.
He admitted to the accusations and received a punishment of probation along with a requirement to attend classes on alcohol education.
The recent DUI charge and the past misdemeanor battery charge may serve to establish a pattern of violent and reckless behavior, which could be used against Momeni in the current murder case.
As the trial approaches, both the defense and the prosecution continue to build their cases, with the former focusing on the victim’s drug use as a possible factor in the tragic incident and the latter emphasizing Momeni’s alleged history of violence and disregard for the law.
The legal teams are expected to present their arguments in court, leaving the jury to determine Momeni’s guilt or innocence in the tragic death of Cash App founder Bob Lee.
