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Tech mogul's alleged killer takes the stand. Dentist's murder trial set to begin. Plus safety tips for holiday travel.

Dateline NBC

Published: Thu Nov 21 2024

Listen to this week's episode of the Dateline: True Crime Weekly podcast with Andrea Canning. Tech exec Bob Lee's accused killer takes the stand for three dramatic days in San Francisco. In suburban Denver, dentist James Craig who stands accused of spiking his wife's protein shakes with potassium cyanide is headed to trial. And Susan Smith, convicted of drowning her children 30 years ago, asks for parole. Plus, Vicky Nguyen is back with helpful tips — this time for safe holiday travel. To get new episodes every Thursday, follow here: https://link.chtbl.com/dtcw_fdlw Find out more about the cases covered each week here: www.datelinetruecrimeweekly.com

Summary

Dateline NBC - November 21, 2024 Episode Summary

Host: Andrea Canning
Producers: Brittany Tom, Stephanie Barber, Rachel White
Production Team: Franny Kelly, Katie Ferguson, Carson Cummins, Caroline Casey, Liz Brown Kuroloff, Sara Kadir, Veronica Mazeca, Rick Kwan
Guests: Brittany Tom, Stephanie Barber, Rachel White, Vicky Nguyen

1. Tech Mogul Bob Lee’s Murder Trial

Overview:
The episode delves into the high-profile trial of Nima Momenti, accused of murdering Bob Lee, the founder of Cash App. The trial has attracted significant attention due to Bob Lee's prominence in the tech industry and the dramatic circumstances surrounding his death.

Key Points:

  • Incident Details:
    On April 4, 2023, Bob Lee was stabbed while visiting his children in the Bay Area. He called 911, was found unconscious near the Bay Bridge, and died shortly after in the hospital.

  • Accused’s Arrest and Plea:
    Nima Momenti was arrested within days of the incident. He has pleaded not guilty, asserting that Bob Lee attacked him rather than the other way around.

  • Defense Strategy:
    Momenti took the stand to present his side, claiming self-defense. He detailed the events leading up to the altercation, emphasizing that Bob Lee became aggressive following a joke he made about family priorities.

  • Prosecution’s Case:
    Prosecutors argue that Momenti stabbed Bob Lee out of anger over suspicions that Lee's friend may have sexually assaulted Momenti’s sister. They contend that this motive led to the fatal attack.

Notable Quotes:

  • James Craig (Prosecutor):
    "How could Bob, the successful tech businessman, lose his temper so quickly over a quote, unquote dumb joke and pull out a knife on Nima?"
    (Timestamp: 08:26)

  • Nima Momenti (Accused):
    "I made a bad joke. If it was my last night in town, I'd hang out with my family instead of, you know, effing around in strip clubs."
    (Timestamp: 05:46)

Courtroom Dynamics:

  • The defense and prosecution engaged in a tense exchange, with Momenti interrupting the prosecutor multiple times.
  • Momenti introduced alternative theories, suggesting the possibility of another assailant, potentially a homeless individual, adding complexity to the case.

Conclusion:
The jury is tasked with unraveling the conflicting testimonies and evidence to determine the truth behind Bob Lee’s tragic death. The trial highlights issues of self-defense, motive, and the influence of personal relationships in criminal cases.

2. Dentist James Craig’s Murder Trial

Overview:
James Craig, a dentist from Aurora, Colorado, stands accused of murdering his wife, Angela Craig, by poisoning her protein shakes with potassium cyanide. The case is set to go to trial in December, following significant developments and evidence presented by prosecutors.

Key Points:

  • Relationship Background:
    James and Angela Craig had a seemingly normal and loving relationship, evidenced by their joint Facebook page and active participation in their community. They had been married for 23 years and had six children.

  • Incident Details:
    In March 2023, Angela Craig experienced mysterious symptoms, including nausea, loss of appetite, and seizures. She was hospitalized in grave condition and died three days later. Investigations revealed lethal amounts of potassium cyanide and a common ingredient in Visine eye drops in her system.

  • Evidence Against James Craig:

    • Suspicious Purchase:
      James ordered potassium cyanide to his dental office, a substance with no legitimate use in dental practices.
      (Timestamp: 13:27)

    • Poison Delivery:
      Prosecutors assert that Craig used the poison to contaminate his wife’s protein shakes, leading to her fatal poisoning.

    • Affair and Divorce:
      James was discovered to be having an affair with a woman he met at a dental conference. He had communicated intentions of divorcing Angela, adding motive to the prosecution’s case.

  • Autopsy Findings:
    Confirmed that Angela Craig died from ingesting lethal amounts of potassium cyanide and other substances, eliminating the possibility of natural causes.

  • Defense’s Position:
    James Craig has pleaded not guilty. As his trial approaches, his defense team, which has changed recently, is yet to reveal its full strategy. The prosecution’s case heavily relies on the motive and the suspicious circumstances leading to Angela’s death.

Notable Quotes:

  • James Craig (Accused):
    "I had an affair and was in the process of getting a divorce."
    (Timestamp: 15:22)

  • Rachel White (Producer):
    "Angie had six children. She was very involved in her community, and she loved her family and her friends."
    (Timestamp: 15:05)

Conclusion:
With jury selection imminent and the trial set to begin in December, the case against James Craig remains under intense scrutiny. The prosecution aims to prove premeditation and motive, while Craig's defense seeks to introduce reasonable doubt about the circumstances of Angela's death.

3. Dateline Roundup

a. Susan Smith’s Parole Hearing

Overview:
Susan Smith, convicted 30 years ago for drowning her two sons, is up for parole. The hearing brought back memories of her initial lies and the tragic loss of her children.

Key Points:

  • Original Crime:
    In 1995, Susan Smith was convicted of killing her two-year-old sons by drowning them in a lake. She initially fabricated a story about being carjacked by a black man to explain their disappearance.

  • Parole Request:
    Smith appeared in a video hearing to request parole, expressing remorse and seeking mercy.

Notable Quotes:

  • Susan Smith:
    "I know that what I did was horrible. I am a Christian and God has forgiven me. I just ask that you show that same kind of mercy as well."
    (Timestamp: 20:17)

  • David Smith (Ex-Husband):
    "30 years to life is only 15 years. Her children, her own children, it's just not enough. So I'm asking that you please do."
    (Timestamp: 20:49)

Outcome:
The parole board unanimously denied Smith’s request, aligning with South Carolina’s stringent parole criteria.

b. Anna Koenzevich’s Case in Florida

Overview:
Anna Koenzevich, a Colombian American woman who went missing in Madrid, faces new charges as her estranged husband, David Kounkenovich, is now accused of her murder.

Key Points:

  • Disappearance Details:
    Anna vanished in February from her Madrid apartment amidst a stressful divorce from David. Her body has yet to be found.

  • Charges Against David:
    Initially charged with kidnapping in May, David has now been charged with Anna’s murder despite the absence of her body.

  • Prosecution’s Evidence:
    Security camera footage shows a man resembling David spray-painting a security camera and leaving with a rolling suitcase the night before Anna disappeared.

  • Defense’s Stance:
    David's legal team denies his guilt, claiming there is no new evidence to substantiate the murder charge.

Notable Quotes:

  • Rachel White (Producer):
    "Prosecutors say that video from security cameras in the hallway of Ana's apartment shows a man who looks a lot like David entering the building the night before she disappeared."
    (Timestamp: 22:02)

c. Robert Roberson’s Execution in Texas

Overview:
Robert Roberson faces execution for the 2002 death of his daughter, Nikki Curtis. Recent legal maneuvers kept the execution on hold but now it is set to proceed.

Key Points:

  • Conviction Details:
    Roberson was convicted in 2003 for fatally beating and shaking his two-year-old daughter, causing a severe brain injury.

  • Defense’s Argument:
    His defense team asserts that Nikki died from natural causes—complications from pneumonia—not from abuse.

  • Legal Developments:
    In October, Roberson was close to execution when lawmakers issued a subpoena for him to testify at the Texas Capitol, briefly halting the process. However, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that such a legislative subpoena cannot prevent an execution, thus reinstating the schedule.

Notable Quotes:

  • Vicky Nguyen (Correspondent):
    "Roberson has garnered wide support."
    (Timestamp: 23:17)

4. Holiday Travel Safety Tips

Overview:
As the holiday season approaches, Dateline NBC provides essential safety tips for travelers, emphasizing both driving and flying precautions.

Key Points:

  • Travel Statistics:

    • Driving:
      Over 50% of Americans plan to drive for holiday travel. However, it has the highest fatality rate per passenger mile among major transport modes.
      (Timestamp: 24:33)

    • Flying:
      Despite fears, flying remains statistically safer than driving. The rise in AI-enabled scams poses a significant risk during booking.

  • Driving Safety Tips:

    • Plan Ahead:
      Leave earlier to avoid traffic stress.
      (Timestamp: 25:08)

    • Vehicle Preparedness:
      Ensure your car is in good condition, check spare tires, and have an emergency kit ready.
      (Timestamp: 25:08)

    • Essentials:
      Carry enough gas, medicines, snacks, and items for pets if applicable.
      (Timestamp: 25:08)

  • Flying Safety Tips:

    • Avoid Scams:
      Be vigilant against phishing and fraudulent websites. Always verify the URL starts with HTTPS and avoid unconventional payment methods like Venmo or gift cards.
      (Timestamp: 26:13)

    • Use Trusted Sources:
      Book directly through official airline or hotel websites or consider using a reputable travel agent.
      (Timestamp: 26:13)

    • Security Advances:
      Familiarize yourself with new security measures like facial recognition technology and ensure your ID is updated to Real ID by May 7, 2025.
      (Timestamp: 27:46)

Notable Quotes:

  • Rachel White:
    "Over the last 18 months, travel scams have gone up online 900% and that is due in large part to AI."
    (Timestamp: 26:13)

  • Vicky Nguyen:
    "A big part of my life and I just ask that you show that same kind of mercy as well."
    (Timestamp: 20:34)

Conclusion:
Following these safety tips can help ensure a secure and enjoyable holiday travel experience, whether by road or air.

5. Upcoming Stories and Promotions

  • Upcoming Trial:
    Next week’s episode will cover the chilling case of an Atlanta millionaire who was killed by a guest at his own birthday party.

  • Promotions:

    • Dateline Premium: Offers ad-free listening and exclusive content. Subscribe at DatelinePremium.com.
    • Advertisements: Various sponsors promoted during the episode, including Nordstrom Rack, Progressive, Amazon Music Unlimited, Kia, Ford Pro, and Greenlight.

Final Notes:
This episode of Dateline NBC provided an insightful exploration of ongoing criminal cases, offering listeners a deep dive into judicial proceedings, investigative updates, and practical advice for holiday safety. The detailed coverage, combined with expert analysis from producers and correspondents, ensures that audiences are well-informed and engaged with the latest true-crime narratives.

No transcript available.