Nima Momeni’s trial for the murder of Bob Lee is nearing its end as closing arguments begin

Closing arguments began Monday morning in the San Francisco murder trial of Nima Momeni, the defendant He fatally stabbed tech manager and Cash App founder Bob Lee.

The prosecution and defense are each expected to take about two hours to present their final arguments to the jury. It is also possible that closing arguments will last until Tuesday.

Monday’s hearing began with the judge giving instructions to the jury, including ordering them not to conduct factual or statutory investigations, investigate, conduct tests or visit the crime scene. Jurors were also told they could use notes during their deliberations and would not allow bias to influence their decision.

Prosecutors allege Momeni stabbed Lee to death in April 2023 in a remote area under the Bay Bridge after a heated discussion about his sister’s relationship with Lee and her continued drug use. At the time of his death, Lee was CPO of cryptocurrency MobileCoin and former CTO of financial services company Square, now known as Block.

Momeni’s lawyers claim he acted in self-defense When he stabbed Lee, he lunged at Momeni with a knife in his hand while high on cocaine and ketamine, according to the defense. The defense claims Lee became unpredictable and aggressive after Momeni made a “bad joke” at the expense of Lee’s family.

However, prosecutors contradicted that version of events with statements from friends of Lee who insisted he was not the type to engage in physical confrontation or speak negatively about others, even while under the influence.

Lee and Nima Momeni’s sister Khazar Momeni were reportedly known in wealthy Bay Area tech circles as participants in a sex- and drug-fueled underground party scene, as described by the Wall Street Journal. Charging documents have alleged a kind of relationship between Lee and Khazar Momeniwho is married to a well-known plastic surgeon from San Francisco. Khazar Momeni has denied having a sexual relationship with Lee.

If convicted, Momeni faces 26 years to life in prison.