# Tech Consultant Sentenced to Life for Killing Cash App Founder Nima Momeni receives sixteen years to life sentence for the 2023 stabbing death. - **Source:** [ABC News – Top Stories](https://abcnews.go.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2018a05f-37ce-4b79-893d-9be9af72bb6c ## Sentencing in San Francisco Nima Momeni was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison for the murder of Cash App founder Bob Lee. The sentencing occurred in a San Francisco Superior Court on Tuesday. Judge Alexandra Gordon officially imposed the term after rejecting a request from the defense team for a new trial. ## The Legal Verdict A jury found Momeni guilty of second-degree murder in December 2024. The panel rejected the defendant's claim that he acted in self-defense during the fatal encounter. Momeni has remained in custody since his arrest, which took place nine days after the April 2023 killing occurred in a deserted downtown area. ## Prosecution's Case Details Prosecutors argued that Momeni planned the attack, driving Lee to an isolated spot under the Bay Bridge. They stated he used a knife taken from his sister's kitchen to stab Lee three times, including a fatal wound to the heart. The motive allegedly stemmed from anger regarding Lee's interactions with Momeni's sister. ## Defendant's Alternative Account Momeni testified that Lee was the aggressor, claiming the tech mogul attacked him with a knife. He stated the conflict arose after he chided Lee about his lifestyle choices that night. Momeni, who practices martial arts, insisted he did not realize Lee was fatally wounded or even injured during the struggle. ## Impact on Family During the sentencing hearing, members of Bob Lee's family addressed the court directly. His 18-year-old daughter, Scout Lee, spoke to Momeni about the profound loss of her father's future. Momeni responded by acknowledging their pain but maintained that their understandings of the events that transpired on that night remain completely different. ## Background of Bob Lee Bob Lee was a prominent figure in the technology sector, best known for creating the mobile payment service Cash App. At the time of his death at age 43, he served as the chief product officer for MobileCoin. He had recently relocated to Miami but was visiting the San Francisco area. ## Legal Strategy Moving Forward The defense team has indicated their intention to appeal the conviction. While the jury rejected the first-degree murder charge, which would have required proof of premeditation, the second-degree conviction still carries a significant prison term. The court proceedings concluded with the judge denying the motion for a new trial. ## Broader Legal Implications This case highlights the intersection of high-profile tech figures and violent crime within the San Francisco justice system. The rejection of the self-defense claim underscores the jury's interpretation of the evidence presented by prosecutors. The case remains a notable example of how personal disputes can lead to severe criminal consequences. ## Sources covering this story - https://abcnews.com/Technology/wireStory/tech-consultant-sentenced-16-years-life-stabbing-death-138034145 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._