A twelve-member jury was selected on Thursday in the trial of Nima Momeni, the man accused of fatally stabbing tech executive Bob Lee.
After two and a half days of deliberationBoth defense and prosecution agreed that the twelve San Franciscans were tasked with making a fair and impartial judgment. Six alternates are currently being considered for the trial, who will listen and absorb the proceedings but will only step into the jury box if any of the 12 sworn jurors must leave the trial for health or personal reasons.
Momeni is accused of it Lee, founder of Cash App, fatally stabbed in San Francisco’s East Cut neighborhood on April 4, 2023. Momeni’s lawyers have indicated this plans to plead self-defense in the case.
Just before 11 a.m. Thursday, a judge swore in the 12 jurors who took an oath to render a “true verdict… based solely on the evidence presented to you and according to the court’s instructions.”
The panel consists of six men and six women, all from different walks of life. Their work ranges from technical workers to factory workers with hobbies ranging from travel to sports.
During the week, both the defense and prosecution interviewed each potential juror about their background and their ability to be fair and impartial. Prosecutors excluded jurors who they thought would judge law enforcement harshly, which could hurt their argument. The prosecution has named more than two dozen San Francisco police officers as potential witnesses.
Meanwhile, the defense dismissed potential jurors who had absorbed extensive media coverage of the trial or those who had already passed judgment on their client. They sought out potential jurors who believed in the right to self-defense and California’s stand-your-ground law, which does not require someone to withdraw in the face of imminent harm.
Momeni, 40, appeared in court during jury selection and appeared freshly groomed and in a neutral-colored suit every day. On Thursday he was greeted by his mother, who attended most of his hearings.
Lawyers were expected to select alternates on Thursday and once full agreement was reached, the 18-member panel will be set up. Opening statements are expected as early as Tuesday.
