SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder on Monday, which includes time he already served.
Velasquez already spent three years in prison.
He pleaded no contest last year.
This stems from a three-year long criminal case.
In February 2022, Velasquez was accused of shooting at a man during a high-speed car chase in Morgan Hill.
According to authorities, it was an 11-mile high-speed chase.
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The person he chased, Harry Goularte, is accused of molesting Velasquez’s 4-year-old son at the time while at a daycare. Goularte’s mother, who runs the daycare, and his stepfather were inside the vehicle during the chase. Goularte’s stepfather was shot and injured.
Our cameras weren’t allowed to record inside the courtroom on Monday, but ABC7 News South Bay reporter Lauren Martinez said it was completely packed. People on both sides of this case were emotional, tearful, and provided victim impact statements.
At the end Cain Velasquez read a statement to the judge. He said he completely agrees with whatever the judge sees fit. He called his actions reckless and dangerous. And that he is truly sorry.
Harry Goularte’s mother spoke after the sentencing, saying it is “extremely disappointing.”
Velasquez’s lawyer, Renee Hessling, addressed the media right after the sentencing.
“I do think that the court made a good decision today. One that takes into consideration all the complexities of this case- the context about why this happened,” Hessling said.
For the first time, the victims, Goularte and Bender families spoke out.
“The sentence is extremely disappointing. It’s based on an alleged allegation that has no bases. It is unfounded. We are looking forward to Harry’s case to prove that,” Bender said.
The judge appeared to fight through his own tears during the final moments of sentencing. He said this case is unique and unlike any other he has presided over. With no prior criminal record, he felt Velasquez took full responsibility for his actions.
“When he said that he was sorry and he took accountability that’s because that’s exactly who he is. And it is unusual in my line of business to have defendants take such accountability in the way that he did,” Hessling said.
Velasquez was taken into custody at the end of the court hearing.
He was sentenced to five years with time served already.
In all he’s expected to serve one more year in prison.
The District Attorney’s office was asking for 30 years.
Angela Bernhard, Assistant District Attorney with Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, spoke after the verdict.
“He will have additional time to serve and I think that is a lesson to anybody who is thinking about doing something like this that you cannot take the laws into your own hands,” Bernhard said.
A trial for Velasquez’s son’s molestation case is set for June.
“Mr. Velasquez is a good person. He made a bad choice but all of us especially parents understand why that choice was made,” Hessling said.
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