San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Nima Momeni (40), of Emeryville, after a trial by jury for the murder of a man in the early morning hours of April 4, 2023, in a secluded area near the Embarcadero. Mr. Momeni was convicted of second-degree murder (PC 187(a)), with an allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon found true.
“I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “I would also like to thank Mr. Lee’s family for their trust and faith in my office through this long journey to get justice. Although nothing will bring back Mr. Lee, I hope that this verdict brings his family and friends some closure as they work to heal from this devastating loss. Mr. Lee was loved deeply by many and his killing shocked all of us locally with reverberations felt across the country. I would like to thank my team for their incredible work and professionalism throughout the pendency of this case and trial. I also thank the San Francisco Police for their outstanding investigation and partnership. Working together we are making a difference and will not relent in our efforts to improve public safety. The fight for this city is on and we will not back down.
According to testimony and other evidence presented at trial, on April 4, 2023, at approximately 2:35 AM San Francisco Police officers from Southern Station responded to the 300 block of Main Street for a report of a stabbing. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, later identified as 43-year-old Robert Lee, suffering from apparent stab wounds. Officers rendered aid and summoned medics to the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Despite efforts by first responders and medical personnel, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
The case against Mr. Momeni was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Omid Talai and Dane Reinstedt, with assistance from District Attorney Investigators Eugene Guerrero, Douglass Keeley, paralegals Jessica Diamond, Julio Florez Guzman and IT support from Leland Chan, Noaeh Pinaire, Ada Yu, and Morris Moore. Victim witness advocate Samantha Ellis was integrally involved in supporting the family both here and in China throughout the pendency of the case. Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Mr. Momeni based on the San Francisco Police Department’s Homicide Unit’s exhaustive investigation led by Sergeant Brent Dittmer.
“In a world where the powerful and well-connected sometimes act as though they are immune to consequences, it is heartening to see a jury of ordinary San Franciscans demonstrate that if you break the law, you will be held accountable,” said Assistant District Attorneys Talai and Reinstedt. “Bob Lee was beloved by his friends, family, and community, and we hope that this verdict gives them a measure of peace and closure. Bob leaves behind an impressive legacy, not just in the business world, but more importantly, in each of the people whose lives he impacted, as a philanthropist, friend, brother, son and father.”
Mr. Momeni is currently in custody pending sentencing. Sentencing will be scheduled at a future hearing.
Court Number: 23005500
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