Bob Lee murder suspect Nima Momeni considered 'high-risk for suicide' in jail, says lawyer

Paula Canny, the lawyer for the IT consultant accused of fatally stabbing CashApp founder Bob Lee, said her client is under suicide watch at a San Francisco County Jail.

Last week, prosecutors presented evidence against 38-year-old Momeni, alleging that he stabbed Bob Lee three times, including once through the heart, during an altercation about Lee's acquaintance with Momeni's sister, Khazar Elyassnia, on the streets of San Francisco in the early hours of April 4.

“As is standard process in high-profile cases in San Francisco, the jail always treats it as a high-risk suicide [watch],” said Paula Canny, an attorney representing Nima Momeni according the New York Post.

Momeni, who is currently facing murder charges, previously headed Expand IT, a company that provided IT infrastructure and cybersecurity services to businesses. Although websites and social media pages for the company have been taken down, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that it had advertised "concierge level support that is available 24/7/365.

To those who knew him, Nima Momeni always gave the impression of running a successful tech business. His neighbor, Sam Singer, however, remained doubtful about the company's size, stating that he had never seen anyone besides Momeni working there, according to reports. 

In a court hearing held last week, prosecutors presented their evidence against Momeni. The prosecutors alleged that Momeni stabbed Lee three times, including a blow through the heart, during an altercation that took place in the early hours of April 4 on the streets of San Francisco. The motive behind the attack remains undisclosed, but reports suggest that the two man had an altercation over Momeni's sister, Khazar Elyassnia.

According to Canny, Momeni was an acquaintance of Lee, whom he had only met through Lee's sister, Khazar Elyassnia. Khazar, who is married to renowned plastic surgeon Dino Elyassnia, reportedly knew Lee socially.

Canny also said that there was a group of affluent young people who enjoyed partying, of which Bob Lee and his sister were a part.

According to an unnamed witness who spoke to the police, Momeni interrogated Lee about his sister, Khazar Elyassnia, on April 3, asking if she was "using drugs or engaging in inappropriate behavior."

Canny, stated that her client's mother is distraught and concerned about the negative attention brought upon their family due to the incident. She added that Momeni's family had always been hardworking, kind-hearted, and dedicated to serving others.