Judge Overcome with Emotion at Cain Velasquez Sentencing: ‘A Truly Tragic Situation’

In a Santa Clara County courtroom on Monday, Judge Arthur Bocanegra visibly struggled with emotion as he handed down a five-year prison sentence to Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion.

Reports indicate that Judge Bocanegra`s voice trembled as he addressed Velasquez after the fighter pleaded no contest to attempted murder and other charges. These charges stemmed from a 2022 incident where Velasquez engaged in an 11-mile high-speed pursuit of a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte. Goularte was accused of sexually abusing Velasquez`s young son at a daycare operated by Goularte`s mother.

During the chase, Velasquez discharged his .40 caliber handgun multiple times, inadvertently hitting Paul Bender, Goularte’s stepfather, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Despite the prosecution`s request for a 30-years-to-life sentence, Judge Bocanegra disagreed strongly. He emphasized that “punishment takes many forms, and one of the most severe is depriving a father of his presence in his child`s life.”

Judge Bocanegra carefully considered various factors in his sentencing decision. While acknowledging Velasquez as the perpetrator in the attempted murder case, he also recognized Velasquez`s family as victims due to the serious allegations of child molestation involving his son.

Furthermore, Judge Bocanegra highlighted that Velasquez had no prior criminal record and had expressed sincere regret for his actions on that day in February 2022.

“This is a tragic case,” Judge Bocanegra stated in court, according to KRON4. “Mr. Velasquez does not pose a threat to public safety.”

“This case is unique and unlike any other this court has overseen. The mitigating circumstances outweigh the aggravating ones.”

Following his arrest, Velasquez was initially detained for eight months, with bail repeatedly denied by a different judge.

Judge Bocanegra ultimately granted Velasquez bail, placing him under house arrest with electronic monitoring and restrictions on work and travel.

Taking into account his previous time in jail and under house arrest, Velasquez received credit for 1,283 days served, potentially reducing his prison time to less than two years.

After the sentencing, Velasquez was briefly allowed to spend time with his family before being taken into custody.