Nima Momeni, the tech entrepreneur accused of killing Cash App founder Bob Lee, appeared in court Friday, accompanied by family who declined media inquiries. This appearance follows revelations about Momeni's past, including an alleged stabbing incident nearly two decades ago. According to police records unearthed by the San Francisco Chronicle, a 20-year-old Momeni was involved in an altercation with two teenagers, aged 19 and 16, possibly stemming from a drug dispute. Witnesses told Albany police that the younger teen initiated the attack, leading to minor injuries for both teens. While Momeni was listed as both suspect and victim in the police report, and potential charges included assault with a deadly weapon and drug possession, the case didn't proceed due to conflicting statements and a lack of prosecutorial action.

This incident isn't Momeni's only prior encounter with law enforcement. In 2022, he faced an assault allegation from a woman at his Emeryville residence, though Alameda County prosecutors again chose not to pursue charges. The 38-year-old consultant was charged with Lee's murder two months ago, accused of stabbing the 43-year-old three times with a kitchen knife and leaving him to die on a San Francisco street. The alleged motive revolves around a dispute concerning Momeni's sister, Khazar "Tina" Elyassnia, who is married to a renowned plastic surgeon. Reports suggest Lee, divorced with two daughters, was involved with Elyassnia, and both were part of a San Francisco social circle known for drug use and casual sex.

Prosecutors allege that Momeni questioned Lee about his interactions with Elyassnia at a party on April 3rd. Surveillance footage from the early hours of the following day shows the two men leaving the Millenium Towers, where Elyassnia and her husband reside. Lee was found dead hours later, and Momeni was subsequently arrested and charged. Momeni, currently held without bail, pleaded not guilty last month with his sister present in court. He has since switched legal representation to Saam Zangeneh, a Miami-based attorney. Legal experts anticipate Momeni's defense will attempt to suppress the 2005 and 2022 incidents from being introduced in court.