Cain Velasquez’s Legal Battle: Attempted Murder Trial Set for September

Former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez made a significant appearance in court on Wednesday alongside his attorney, Renee Hessling, to request a continuance for his upcoming attempted murder trial. However, Judge Elizabeth Peterson denied this request, firmly setting the trial date for September 9. This decision marks a critical point in Velasquez’s ongoing legal troubles, which have garnered substantial media attention and public interest.

Details of the Incident: Velasquez’s Alleged Assault and Its Aftermath

In February 2022, Velasquez was apprehended following a dramatic incident where he allegedly pursued a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, the man accused of sexually assaulting his son at a daycare owned by Goularte’s family. During this alarming episode, Velasquez purportedly rammed the vehicle before pulling alongside it and firing shots through the window. Unfortunately, he missed his intended target and instead struck Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, who fortunately sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Previous Legal Issues: Goularte’s Charges and Release

Prior to the incident involving Velasquez, Goularte had already faced legal challenges, having been arrested and subsequently released on bond. He was charged with multiple offenses, including one count of lewd acts with a child. This background adds further complexity to the case, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations surrounding Goularte and the emotional turmoil faced by Velasquez as a father seeking justice for his son.

Upcoming Court Dates: The Road Ahead for Velasquez

Looking forward, Velasquez is scheduled to return to court on June 26 for a trial readiness hearing. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include the serious accusation of attempted murder. Notably, if convicted of attempted murder, Velasquez could face a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Velasquez’s Career: A Glimpse into His MMA Legacy

Throughout his impressive 13-year career in mixed martial arts, Velasquez held the UFC heavyweight championship title twice. His last fight took place in February 2019, where he faced Francis Ngannou and unfortunately lost by knockout at UFC on ESPN 1. Following this defeat, Velasquez announced his retirement from MMA on October 11, 2019, marking the end of an era in his fighting career.

Source