Nima Momeni is a technology consultant who became widely known following his arrest and conviction in the killing of tech executive Bob Lee. He was born in August 1984 in Tehran, Iran, and moved to the United States as a teenager in 1999 with his mother and sister. The relocation came as the family sought to leave an abusive household, and they later settled in California.
Momeni built his life in the Bay Area, where he developed a career in information technology. He worked in the tech sector from the mid-2000s and eventually ran an IT consulting business known as Expand IT. His professional background placed him within the same broader industry as Bob Lee, and the two men were known to each other prior to the events that brought national attention to Momeni’s name.
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Personal Life and Connections to the Case
Momeni’s personal life became a central focus during the investigation and trial. He maintained close ties with his family, particularly his sister, Khazar Elyassnia, who lived in San Francisco. The events leading up to Bob Lee’s death involved social interactions between Lee, Elyassnia, and others in their circle, including gatherings where drug use was later discussed in court.
Prosecutors argued that Momeni’s concerns about his sister’s well-being and her interactions with Lee played a role in the confrontation that led to the killing. Evidence presented at trial included communications, witness testimony, and accounts of conversations that took place in the hours before the incident. The defense, however, portrayed the situation differently, focusing on a volatile encounter between the two men rather than a planned act.
Arrest and Charges
Momeni was arrested on April 13, 2023, nine days after Bob Lee was fatally stabbed in San Francisco. Authorities identified him as a suspect after reviewing surveillance footage, digital evidence, and movements captured in the hours before the attack. Investigators determined that Momeni and Lee had been together shortly before the stabbing and had traveled by car to the area where the crime occurred.
He was charged with murder and held without bail. The case quickly drew widespread attention due to Lee’s prominence and the earlier public speculation that the killing had been a random act. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the evidence pointed instead to a targeted incident involving individuals who knew each other.
The Trial and Conviction
The trial of Nima Momeni included weeks of testimony and detailed examination of the events leading up to the stabbing. Prosecutors argued that Momeni deliberately drove Lee to a secluded location and attacked him with a knife. They presented evidence intended to show motive, including disputes involving Momeni’s sister and concerns about drug use and personal relationships.
Momeni took the stand in his own defense and claimed that he acted in self-defense during a confrontation initiated by Lee. His legal team argued that the encounter escalated unexpectedly and that Momeni did not intend to kill him. After deliberating for seven days, the jury rejected the charge of first-degree murder but found Momeni guilty of second-degree murder on December 17, 2024.
Where Nima Momeni Is Now
Following his conviction, Momeni has remained in custody while awaiting sentencing. He faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison under California law for second-degree murder. As of early 2026, sentencing had not yet taken place due to ongoing legal proceedings, including efforts by his defense team to review trial transcripts and pursue post-trial motions.
There have also been developments beyond the criminal case. Reports indicate that Momeni filed a lawsuit alleging defamation against several media outlets in connection with coverage of the case. His legal situation remains active, with both sentencing and potential appeals still pending. For now, he remains incarcerated as the court process continues toward a final resolution.