In closing arguments for the murder trial of Nima Momeni, the defense presented surveillance footage allegedly showing Bob Lee using a knife to ingest cocaine hours before his death. Momeni's legal team contends this was the same knife Lee used in an altercation with Momeni, leading to the fatal stabbing. They argue Momeni acted in self-defense.
Defense attorney Saam Zangeneh described Lee's actions with the knife as "scooping and sniffing" cocaine during a period of intoxication leading up to a confrontation under the Bay Bridge. Zangeneh asserted outside the courtroom that the knife in the video matched the one found at the scene.
The prosecution, however, alleges that Momeni planned the attack following a dispute concerning Lee's introduction of Momeni's sister to a drug dealer. They claim Momeni lured Lee to a secluded area near the Bay Bridge and stabbed him three times with a knife from his sister's kitchen. Momeni faces a potential sentence of 26 years to life if convicted.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Lee and Momeni leaving the condo of Momeni's sister and entering Momeni's BMW. Further footage allegedly captures them exiting the vehicle near the Bay Bridge, the location of the stabbing. Lee was later discovered bleeding and seeking help on a nearby street. He subsequently died at a hospital.
Momeni testified that a pothole incident near the Bay Bridge led to a spilled drink and a subsequent argument with Lee. He claims a joke about Lee's activities sparked a confrontation, during which he acted in self-defense. The prosecution disputes this account, highlighting Momeni's failure to report the alleged attack to authorities, even after learning of Lee's death.
The jury is expected to begin deliberations soon.
