Nima Momeni takes stand in Bob Lee murder trial

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Nima Momeni, the man accused of murdering Cash App founder Bob Lee, took the stand in his own defense trial Wednesday. Momeni, prosecutors argue, fatally stabbed Lee in the early hours of the morning of April 4, 2023.

Momeni's defense attorneys have argued that Momeni stabbed Lee in self-defense. At Tuesday's trial proceedings, jurors were shown a toxicology report that revealed Lee had cocaine and ketamine in his system at the time he was stabbed.

Prosecutors have branded Momeni as a "wannabe tough guy big brother" and portrayed him as a knife-wielding murderer. Momeni has been charged with murder.

Speculation on whether or not Momeni would testify in his trial has hovered over court proceedings for weeks. On Wednesday, the courtroom let out a collective gasp when it was announced he would take the stand, according to KRON4's Lezla Gooden.

On the stand, Momeni gave his account of the night Lee died and the hours leading up. He told the court he was calm and that everyone was polite, although there was some concern after his sister, Khazar Momeni, called him upset

Momeni seemed stoic on the stand Wednesday. He appeared at times to be mumbling but seemed focused. Bob Lee's father was in attendance at the time Momeni took the stand.

The court adjourned for lunch and is set to resume in the afternoon.