San Francisco police have arrested Nima Momeni, a 38-year-old tech executive, in connection with the death of Cash App founder and cryptocurrency firm executive Bob Lee earlier this month. Police believe the attack was not a robbery attempt or a random attack.
Lee, 43, was found stabbed to death in downtown San Francisco near the Bay Bridge, reportedly after visiting the area. Momeni, who owns the IT consulting company Expand IT, was arrested Thursday morning and booked on suspicion of murder.
Lee was the chief product officer of the cryptocurrency company MobileCoin at the time of his death, and he is credited with founding Cash App, a smartphone-based payment app that is worth $40bn (£32bn), according to Forbes.
Momeni and Lee were reportedly acquainted, and had driven together through downtown San Francisco just hours before Lee’s death. According to police, the two had gotten into an argument during that time.
Neighbors of Momeni’s in Emeryville, California, described him as “warm and welcoming” and that he kept a pool table and tech equipment in an apartment unit on Harlan Street. However, another neighbor told the Daily Beast that Momeni kept several guns and knives at his apartment and was “super into weapons.”
In 2011, Momeni was charged in Alameda County with allegedly selling a switchblade (a misdemeanor crime in California) and for driving with a suspended license. He pleaded no contest to the license charge, while the switchblade charge was dismissed.
As the investigation into Lee’s death continues, Momeni remains in custody, and a court date has yet to be determined
“I hope today’s arrest begins a process of healing and comfort for all affected by this tragedy,” tweeted Matt Dorsey, another San Francisco supervisor.
The arrest of Lee killer is likely to bring some respite to a city that has seen a surge in violent crime in recent years. San Francisco officials have faced criticism for their handling of the situation, with some tech leaders accusing the city of having a permissive attitude toward crime.