Cain Velasquez acknowledged his responsibility for his actions in court on Monday, just before a judge sentenced him to five years in prison. This sentencing followed his no-contest plea to attempted murder charges.
The former UFC heavyweight champion, arrested initially in February 2022, was given the opportunity to speak before Judge Arthur Bocanegra delivered the sentence. Velasquez faced multiple serious felony charges after he engaged in an 11-mile high-speed pursuit of a vehicle and discharged a handgun at the car. Harry Goularte, who was in the vehicle, is accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son at a daycare run by Goularte’s mother.
Ultimately, Paul Bender, Goularte’s stepfather, was hit by a bullet but sustained injuries that were not life-threatening. Velasquez was then apprehended without any further incident. Addressing the court on Monday, Velasquez expressed remorse for his behavior.
“I am truly sorry,” Velasquez stated in court, according to various reports. “My actions were careless and extremely dangerous. I am ashamed and regretful about how I behaved on the day I committed this crime.”
“Amidst all of this, I wish for healing for my family, and to the Goularte family, I wish healing, and to the community, I wish healing.”
The prosecution had sought a sentence of 30 years to life for Velasquez, while his defense lawyers argued for time served and probation.
In the end, Judge Bocanegra opted for a lesser punishment, recognizing that while Velasquez needed to be held accountable for his crime, his family also suffered due to his young son`s involvement in the alleged child molestation case.
Although Velasquez received a five-year prison sentence, he will be credited with 1,283 days already served. This includes his previous time in jail and the period he spent under house arrest.
It is anticipated that Velasquez will ultimately serve less than two years in prison, and possibly even less, depending on any credit he may earn for good conduct.
Velasquez, supported by friends and family in the courtroom, was granted a moment with his wife and children before being taken into custody to begin his sentence.
