Nima Momeni, the man accused of murdering Cash App founder Bob Lee, plans to plead not guilty, according to his defense attorney, Paula Canny. Momeni was scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday but the hearing was postponed until May 2 to give the defense more time to prepare. Canny confirmed that her client will also deny the allegation of using a knife in the crime.
Bob Lee was killed in the Rincon Hill neighborhood in San Francisco on April 4, and Momeni, 38, of Emeryville, California, was arrested soon afterward. Authorities have said that the two men knew each other and were in a vehicle shortly before the stabbing. The district attorney’s office has indicated that the stabbing may have been premeditated.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has said that Momeni was found with a kitchen knife in his vehicle, which is not something most people carry around with them. However, Canny has said that she believes she has evidence to support Momeni’s innocence, though she is still awaiting the police reports and the full autopsy report.
Canny has seen surveillance videos of the incident, but she doesn’t believe that they reveal anything useful. The autopsy report is not yet ready, but Jenkins has said that she believes there is sufficient evidence to prove that Momeni committed murder.
Paula Canny told station KNTV nearly two weeks ago that there is a “much greater back story” than what has been disclosed.
Momeni has been held without bail since his arrest, but Canny has said that she believes her client is neither a danger to the community nor a flight risk and will push for bail to be set. Jenkins has disagreed, stating that someone who is believed to have committed murder is an extreme threat to public safety.
Around 20 members of Lee’s family and friends were present in court for the hearing. Canny has suggested that there is a much greater backstory to the case than has been disclosed so far.
Lee’s family and friends were reportedly emotional during the hearing and declined to speak to reporters afterward. Lee, 33, was a co-founder of Cash App, a mobile payment service provider. He had previously worked for companies including Yahoo and Microsoft. Following his death, Cash App issued a statement expressing its condolences.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Bob Lee,” the statement said. “Bob was a visionary who impacted many people’s lives through his work in technology and entrepreneurship.”
Lee’s death has also prompted discussion about the safety of ride-hailing services and other on-demand apps. San Francisco officials have urged residents to use caution when using such services and to be mindful of their surroundings.
In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile incidents involving ride-hailing services, including sexual assaults, robberies, and murders. Some have called for stricter regulations and background checks for drivers, while others have advocated for alternative modes of transportation such as public transit or biking.
The case against Momeni is still ongoing, and he has yet to enter a formal plea. He is being held without bail in San Francisco County Jail. If convicted of murder, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
As the investigation continues, Lee’s friends and family continue to mourn his loss and remember his many contributions to the tech industry. Cash App has set up a fund to support Lee’s family, and many in the community have shared their memories and condolences on social media.
