Bob Lee murder: Ex-SFPD cop may testify that Nima Momeni acted in self-defense
Briefly

Retired officer Steve Pomatto stated that he believes it is 'likely' Nima Momeni acted in self-defense during the incident with CashApp founder Bob Lee. He emphasized that the evidence points towards Momeni struggling with Lee, who was considered to be the initial aggressor due to his possession of a knife. Pomatto's insights challenge the prosecution's narrative, suggesting that without the context of a struggle, the scenario becomes less reasonable.
During a pretrial hearing, Pomatto described what he perceived as the 'most likely scenario,' asserting Momeni's attempts to pin down Lee's holding arm were justified, which culminated in the stabbing. He expressed concern over the validity of the prosecution's arguments, asserting that his conclusion is backed by both physical and digital evidence. This viewpoint starkly contrasts the prosecution's stance and indicates a nuanced discussion around self-defense.
Prosecutor Assistant District Attorney Omid Talai criticized the defense's narrative proposed by Pomatto, labeling it as 'laughable' and raising concerns over Pomatto's cognitive responses during questioning. Talai's objections highlight the tension in the courtroom, as he attempted to exclude Pomatto from providing testimony. This legal battle emphasizes the complexities faced in court concerning expert testimonies and the weight they hold against the District Attorney's Office.
Momeni's attorney, Tony Brass, noted that Pomatto has never previously testified on behalf of a criminal defendant, marking a significant moment in the trial. Given Pomatto's extensive background with the San Francisco Police Department and his expertise in use-of-force training, his potential testimonies could weave a compelling narrative around the events leading up to the stabbing and the circumstances surrounding the altercation.
Read at Mission Local
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