In what became a shocking incident that sparked widespread conversation about violent crime in San Francisco nearly two years ago, Silicon Valley was stunned by the fatal stabbing of tech leader Bob Lee. His daughter detailed her emotions upon witnessing the culmination of the trial for the man accused of killing her father. Jury deliberation stretched over seven days in December and then reached a decision. Tech consultant Nima Momeni, the accused, was absolved of first-degree murder charges linked to Lee’s death on April 4, 2023. Expressing her vivid emotions, Scout Lee, 16, narrated, ‘I felt a ringing in my ear. I was significantly overwhelmed.’
Scout further shared the palpable emotion in the courtroom as she clutched her mother’s hand, weeping together. Labeling herself as her father’s ‘mini-me,’ Scout admitted feeling a glimmer of consolation when, after the acquittal, Momeni was found guilty of second-degree murder. Yet, she expressed doubt about the justice served, given that in her perspective the prosecution had compellingly established that the murder was premeditated.
According to the District Attorney’s Office of San Francisco, the murder charge against 40-year-old Momeni stemmed from an accusation made by his sister stating that she had been sexually assaulted by a man introduced to her by Lee. However, this man, Jeremy Boivin, was never indicted over the said alleged assault. The trial, which began in October, included a testimony from Momeni in which he insisted that his actions were born out of self-defense, leading to Lee’s fatal injuries.
Momeni now faces 16 years to life in prison and, despite the conviction, plans to challenge the ruling. His sentencing is scheduled for May 16. Bob Lee, aged 43 at the time of his tragic death, was a founder and executive of a popular money transfer service. His violent demise took place under the Bay Bridge, east of downtown San Francisco, where he suffered three stab wounds, one of which reached his heart.
Emergency services received a distress call from Lee at approximately 2:30 a.m. In his disoriented state, he repeatedly asked for help before collapsing near an apartment building. Ultimately, he was declared dead at a neighborhood hospital. Lee’s death sparked an outcry from some individuals, blaming escalating violent crime in San Francisco, even though authorities refuted these accusations, stating that the killer was an acquaintance of Lee.
The narrative formed during the trial outlined that Momeni’s anger exploded following his sister’s disclosure about an alleged assault during a small gathering at Boivin’s apartment. In her testimony, she recalled being under the influence of cocaine, LSD, and GHB – a substance tied to date rapes and assaults – when the alleged incident occurred. She accused Boivin of inappropriate advances when she was incapacitated. Boivin did not provide his version of the events at Momeni’s trial.
Momeni’s defense team argued for a scenario of self-defense. Momeni admitted initial anger upon hearing the allegations of assault upon his sister, but also revealed that after conferring with several individuals, he started to question the verity of the claims. His side argued that Momeni saw the events as likely being magnified due to the influence of narcotics.
After the incriminating phone call between Momeni and Lee, Lee spent time with Momeni and his sister at her residence. Crucial evidence introduced by the prosecution was that of Momeni allegedly picking up a paring knife from his sister’s kitchen. This detail was significant as a knife of the same brand was identified as the weapon used in Lee’s murder. The bloody trail from the crime scene leading to a fence suggested that the 3.5-inch knife discovered was used.
Momeni’s account called into question these allegations further. He testified that both he and Lee intended to spend time together, even indulging in drug use. While heading towards a club, Lee, according to Momeni, spilled a drink, prompting insinuations from Momeni about why Lee wasn’t at home with his family. Momeni further stated that this remark spurred Lee’s anger, leading to him brandishing the knife.
Momeni’s side of the story continued that in the ensuing struggle, he ended up reflexively driving the knife towards Lee. Unwilling to incriminate himself further, Momeni left the scene under the impression that Lee was not in grave danger. Scout Lee, who attended the trial intermittently, expressed how gut-wrenching the entire process was for her.
The trial became even harder for her older brother who found the high-resolution video depicting their father collapsing to be painful to watch. Displaying a strong front, he admitted, ‘The repeated exposure to that just continued to drain me. It was getting to the point where I felt like I might faint.’ Scout found it hard to reconcile with the portrayal of her father’s lifestyle which was incongruous with the man she knew.
To Scout, Bob Lee was not just a high-flying party-goer but a devoted father. He was always ready to help out with homework and his approach to raising his children provided a sense of security and tranquility. Scout found her father’s death particularly challenging as just days prior to the incident, he had gone to see her perform in a play.
Scout fondly remembered his proud congratulations for her performance, which marked one of her significant career milestones. ‘That instance, the warmth of his hug, his compliments were the last memories I had of him,’ she lamented.