Former UFC fighter Cain Velazquez was placed in prison for five years in connection with a shooting that took place more than two years ago.
Velazquez was a man from a Santa Clara County courthouse suspected of abusing his young son after shooting a vehicle in 2022.
His lawyer He told Ian Cal of NBC Bay Area His clients are expected to serve for a year for his time in prison and credit for his home lockdown, where he had an ankle monitor.
Authorities say the former UFC heavyweight champion surprised and injured others in the vehicle.
Velazquez, 42, refused to plead for a dispute over attempted murder, felony assault and other gun-related charges arising from the February 2022 incident.
The court was crammed and said to be “standing rooms only.” NBC Bay Area As prosecutors, the victim and his family members, Velazquez's wife and daughter spoke during the sentence.
The five-year sentence fell between time and probation, what prosecutors wanted, to bring life to prison for 30 years, and what defense wanted.
Speaking at the sentencing hearing, Velazquez said he was “embarrassed and regretted” about how he acted on the day of the incident.
“I'm so sorry. My actions were reckless. I feel embarrassed and regretted how I treated myself. Of all this, I wish for safe healing for my family, Golartes and the community,” he said. According to Kron 4.
Prosecutors alleged that Velazquez attempted vigilante justice on February 28, 2022, when Velazquez chased a Harry Goalt pickup truck, which had been accused of abusing one of Velazquez's children.
The heavyweight champion was arrested in 2022 for trying to kill him
The claims abused his 4-year-old son. AP
Velazquez fires the windshield of his car, misses Goalte and attacks Goalte's stepfather, Paul Bender, who was still on the truck at the time.
In a victim's impact statement, Bender said Golarte put pressure on the bullet wounds until paramedics arrive, calling for Velazquez to receive the greatest punishment.
“The defendant chose to impose and carry out the death sentence on Harry Goallete that day, in the middle of the street,” Deputy Prosecutor Aaron French told the court. “He pursued and hunted. [Goularte]. ”
Goularte is facing felony scheduling conduct with a minor in response to allegations of abuse of Velazquez's son, and his jury trial is scheduled to begin on June 2nd.
County Hall of Fame on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. AP
The Velazquez family also sues Goulalte in civil court, along with his business, certified custom concrete, his mother Patricia Goulalte, and her business, Patty's childcare, and his stepfather Paul Bender.
“If he could go back in time, he wouldn't make that choice. He understands it's the wrong choice, but he's sitting in his shoes. It's painful to think of as a parent,” Velazquez's defense attorney told court Monday.
