Khazar Elyassnia, the sister of Nima Momeni, the man accused of fatally stabbing Cash App founder Bob Lee, was arrested on Monday morning in San Francisco. Elyassnia, 38, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence, as well as charges of hit and run, failing to drive within a lane, and failing to provide proof of financial responsibility.
According to police sources, Elyassnia caused a crash near Union Square in downtown San Francisco around 11 a.m. on Monday. The arrest comes after Elyassnia emerged as a key figure in her brother’s case, with authorities considering her relationship with Lee as a possible motive for the murder.
Lee’s friends had previously revealed that he was part of an underground party scene called “The Lifestyle,” where he had been casually involved with Elyassnia. The killing of Lee initially sparked outrage, but circumstances shifted after Momeni’s arrest and a toxicology report revealed substances in Lee’s system at the time of his death.
Momeni’s trial, scheduled to begin this week, is expected to focus on the events leading up to the murder rather than the identity of the perpetrator. Prosecutors argue that the killing was premeditated, pointing to a text sent by Elyassnia to Lee shortly before his death.
Elyassnia, who also goes by Khazar Momeni, has not cooperated with investigators. She was released on bail from jail. Nima Momeni is due back in court on Thursday.