Cain Velasquez will finally return to his family after eight months behind bars.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Velasquez got his bail granted by a Santa Clara County judge today, reported by MMA Junkie. The decision came after a pre-trial hearing that spanned about 13 hours between two days. Velasquez was arrested on Feb. 28 and charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Paul Bender, stepfather of Harry Goularte Jr., who got accused of molesting Velasquez’s 4-year-old son.
He was also charged with shooting at an occupied motor vehicle or aircraft, three counts of assault with a firearm, three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony.
Cain Velasquez was granted $ 1 million bail after 8 months of being jailed
After three failed prior attempts, Cain Velasquez was finally granted release. The terms of his release include a $1 million bail, GPS monitoring, and compliance to an extended set of terms – no weapons, TBI/CTE outpatient treatment, counseling, search and seizure conditions, and a protective order to stay a minimum of 300 yards from alleged victims Harry Goularte, Patricia Goularte, and Paul Bender.
“This incident is extremely serious but appears to be isolated behavior by Mr. Velasquez,” Judge Arthur Bocanegra said. “There is also a viable heat of passion defense.”
“Mr. Velasquez, I would not release you if I was not convinced that upon a release at this time, eight months later, that you would be a danger to Harry Goularte primarily, Patricia Goularte or Paul Bender,” Bocanegra said. “If you are as devoted a husband and father, I’m confident and have to believe you will not jeopardize anything that would take you away from your son, your daughter, your family. I hope you don’t prove me wrong.”
Velasquez replied, “I won’t, your honor.”
The bail was granted but the dismissal motion was tossed
Mark Geragos, Velasquez’s defense attorney, was relieved to see his client go home after eight months away from his family.
“We’re gratified and he’ll be able to go home and start the healing process,” said Geragos. “It’s been a long slog and after 8 months he’s finally going home.”
Mark Geragos after @cainmma was granted bail:
“We’re gratified and he’ll be able to go home and start the healing process. It’s been a long slog and after 8 months he’s finally going home.”#ufc#mma pic.twitter.com/EzLlwJAQiM
— Damian Trujillo (@newsdamian) November 8, 2022
The pre-trial hearing was set to determine whether there was probable cause for the charges to go to trial. Five police officers were called as witnesses Monday by the DA to share their experience from the incident. They confirmed his cooperation while getting arrested, which reportedly echoed with Judge Bocanegra.
Geragos had made two motions; one to dismiss a charge of premeditated attempted murder and one for bail. The bail was approved but the dismissal motion got denied.
Cain Velasquez is scheduled to be back in court for arraignment on Nov. 21.
