Defense attorneys presented their final arguments in the murder trial of a tech consultant accused of fatally stabbing Cash App founder Bob Lee. Prosecutors allege that the defendant, Nima Momeni, orchestrated the attack in retaliation for an incident involving his sister and a drug dealer. The prosecution claims Momeni lured Lee to an isolated location near the Bay Bridge, stabbed him three times, and fled the scene in Lee's car.
The defense countered by questioning the prosecution's narrative, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence supporting their claims. Momeni's attorney argued that the prosecution's case hinges on establishing a motive, which he believes is unsubstantiated.
Surveillance footage captured Momeni and Lee leaving the defendant's sister's residence in the early hours of the morning and later exiting Momeni's vehicle near the Bay Bridge. Momeni testified that an altercation ensued after Lee spilled his beer, during which Lee brandished a knife before walking away seemingly unharmed.
The defense focused on discrediting a witness who testified about Momeni's behavior prior to the stabbing, suggesting that Lee was not as amicable as portrayed by his acquaintances. Additionally, the defense raised questions about the absence of the alleged murder weapon as evidence and speculated on alternative scenarios surrounding the knife's origin.
Contrary to the prosecution's claims, the defense asserted that Momeni's grievances were directed towards the drug dealer involved in the incident with his sister, rather than towards Lee. The defense highlighted Lee's substance abuse history and suggested that toxicology reports may have underestimated the extent of his intoxication.
The trial continues with the defense's closing arguments, followed by potential rebuttal statements from the prosecution before the case is deliberated by the jury.
