Cash App founder's killer sentenced to 16 years to life

A man convicted of killing the founder of Cash App received a term of 16 years to life in prison, a court ruled on Monday. The sentencing follows the April 2023 murder of Lee, who was discovered bleeding in a doorway on an empty downtown San Francisco street after being stabbed in the hip and heart. He managed to dial 911 before succumbing to his injuries at a hospital.

The killing sparked swift commentary on social media. Elon Musk tweeted, "Many people I know have been severely assaulted" and added that "even if attackers are caught, they are often released immediately." Investor Jason Calacanis described the city’s officials as "incompetent lunatics" and said San Francisco was slipping into "utter chaos".

According to prosecutors, the assailant, identified as Momeni, acted after learning that Lee had introduced his sister to drug dealers who abused her. Momeni’s representatives argued he acted in self‑defence, claiming Lee lunged at him with a knife. Toxicology reports showed Lee had cocaine, ketamine and alcohol in his system.

The presiding judge turned down Momeni’s request for a new trial, and his legal team said they intend to appeal the decision.