Families react to Nima Momeni murder verdict in death of Cash App founder Bob Lee
SAN FRANCISCO - Following Tuesday's guilty verdict of Nima Momeni in the stabbing death of Cash App founder Bob Lee, the family members of the two men at the center of the case spoke out after the jury announced its verdict at the San Francisco Hall of Justice.
While these two families are on opposite sides of this legal battle, there is one thing that both seem to agree on; that this has been a long, difficult process.
"This has been an extremely hard process to try to get through and just live through. Right?" Lee's brother, Tim Oliver Lee, told reporters outside the courtroom. "We're happy this part is over. And we're happy it's a guilty verdict, and we're very thankful of the jury, the police and the district attorney of San Francisco."
Lee's ex-wife, Krista Lee, said she hopes the judge comes down hard on Momeni during sentencing.
"In the last 18 months, I have received overwhelming information in regards to Mr. Momeni's behavior, his abusive nature, people he has stabbed before, women he has before," she said. "So, this man deserves life in prison as far as I'm concerned."
Jury finds Nima Momeni guilty of 2nd degree murder of Cash App founder Bob Lee
The jury began deliberations on Dec. 4 after the trial that began in October.
Momeni could be sentenced to 16 years to life in prison.
Lee's family said they ultimately wanted Momeni behind bars so that Lee's children would never have to see their father's killer on the streets.
As the courtroom emptied, the two families went to opposite sides of a long hallway with minimal interaction.
There have been heated emotions at times, with Lee's family members and friends having harsh words for Momeni and the family members supporting him.
Momeni's sister, Khazar, did not appear to be in the courtroom on Tuesday as the jury announced its verdict, though she played a critical role as a key witness in the case.
But his mother, Mahnaz Tayarani, did speak knowing that there is still a lot of unresolved anger surrounding this case.
"Instead of any bad energy, we should focus on doing something that benefits all of us, especially her kids and their future," she said.
Tayarani attended the trial throughout its entirety and doesn't believe justice was served.
She said she believes that drugs were at the center of this entire case, leaving two families devastated. However, she said she still supports her son, and is steadfast in her belief that it was a case of self-defense.
"I am so sorry this happened, this was self-defense," said Tayarani. "Nima could have been on the other side. I wish it was a way to trade my place with Bob. I would do that definitely."
Meanwhile, some of Lee's family members want the DA to prosecute Momeni's relatives, alleging they helped to cover up for him, and they say that is why they got a second-degree murder conviction instead of first-degree.
"I would also like to see his sister and mother join him in orange jumpsuits," said Krista Lee.