Ex-UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was granted a continuance until May 6 for a plea hearing after he was arrested in February on attempted murder charges.
Velasquez appeared in court on Tuesday. He appeared to turn toward the courtroom and create a symbol of a heart with his hands. Longtime friend and teammate Daniel Cormier and American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez were reportedly in the gallery at the hearing.
Velasquez had an attorney Mark Geragos representing him. He filed the request to continue the proceedings, which was approved by Judge Jose Franco.
Supporters of @cainmma back in court for todays proceedings pic.twitter.com/9575ID84zK
— Damian Trujillo (@newsdamian) April 12, 2022
Velasquez was originally arrested on Feb. 28 after he allegedly engaged in an 11-mile, high speed chase while also firing multiple rounds from a . 40 caliber handgun in pursuit of a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, who is accused of molesting a close relative of the ex-UFC heavyweight champion.
Goularte had been released on bail in his own court case over the objections from the district attorney.
Following his release, Velasquez allegedly pursued Goularte from his home before firing several shots at the vehicle. Goularte’s stepfather was ultimately hit by a bullet before he was taken to a hospital for treatment for non-life threatening injuries from the shooting.
Velasquez was later detained by police without incident. He was charged with attempted premeditated killing.
Tuesday’s appearance was his first since Velasquez was denied bail by Judge Shelyna brown in March. She condemned his “extreme recklessness towards human life ”
Velasquez made his first statement after the shooting incident and was later arrested.
” To everyone who has supported me, my family will never be in a position to say enough,” Velasquez said in the statement. We are eternally grateful to you for all your support. Your selfless gestures and kind words have given me strength in my darkest times.”
Since his arrest Velasquez received overwhelming support from the MMA world, including letters sent by UFC President Dana White to the judge who was overseeing the case before Velasquez’s March arraignment.
If convicted of all charges, Velasquez could face up to 20 years in prison.
