As the trial of Nima Momeni concluded with a guilty verdict for the second-degree murder of Cash App founder Bob Lee, one name consistently emerged as central to the case: Khazar Momeni. The younger sister of the convicted Momeni and a prominent figure in the trial, Khazar’s testimony shed light on the events leading up to the tragic killing.
Khazar Momeni: Personal Background
Khazar Momeni, also known as “Tina,” is married to Dr. Dino Elyassnia, a well-known plastic surgeon in San Francisco. The couple resides in the luxurious Millennium Tower, a symbol of their affluent lifestyle. Despite the trial’s scrutiny, Khazar and her husband supported Nima Momeni by funding his defense team.
Khazar’s involvement in the case extended beyond family ties. She was reported to have had an intimate relationship with Lee and was present during the fateful night of his murder. Her role as a key witness brought both sympathy and controversy.
The Night of Bob Lee’s Death
Khazar’s testimony detailed a chaotic and drug-fueled night on April 2, 2023, leading up to Lee’s death. According to her account:
- Khazar hosted a gathering at her apartment where Lee arrived with his drug dealer, Jeremy Boivin.
- The group consumed various substances, including whippets, LSD, and later GHB, which Khazar said was given to her by Boivin.
- Khazar testified that Boivin sexually assaulted her after she passed out from the drugs. She awoke disoriented and in a one-piece swimsuit, a moment she described as deeply traumatic.
After contacting her brother, Nima Momeni, he picked her up and brought her home. Surveillance footage shown in court depicted her in a visibly distressed state.
Interaction with Bob Lee Before the Murder
Khazar’s relationship with Bob Lee was a contentious topic during the trial. Witnesses alleged a romantic involvement between the two, and text messages revealed explicit exchanges. However, Khazar described Lee as “very erratic” and claimed their relationship was misunderstood.
On the night of April 3, Lee arrived at her apartment and had a discussion with Nima Momeni. She testified that she asked the two men to leave shortly before Lee was stabbed near the Bay Bridge.
The Trial and Public Reaction
Khazar’s testimony provided critical context but also drew criticism. Bob Lee’s family, particularly his ex-wife, disparaged Khazar, referring to her disparagingly as “the whore of the high tower.” Despite this, Khazar maintained her composure on the stand, sharing details of her struggles and her version of events.
Her admission that she continued to receive drugs from Boivin months after the assault raised questions about her credibility and decision-making. She also acknowledged not reporting the assault to police, a decision she attributed to her fear and trauma.
A Complex Figure
Khazar Momeni’s role in the trial was pivotal. Her testimony painted a vivid picture of the chaotic and tragic sequence of events leading to Bob Lee’s death. While some viewed her as a victim of circumstance, others criticized her choices and her influence on the night’s events.
As the case concludes, Khazar remains a polarizing figure whose testimony played a crucial role in securing justice for Bob Lee. Her story underscores the complexities of relationships, substance abuse, and the devastating ripple effects of a single violent act.