Cain Velasquez will go back before a judge in hopes that he’ll be released from jail while awaiting trial on attempted murder charges.
Velasquez was seen in Santa Clara County Court on Friday, where Judge Jose Franco granted him a second bail hearing. This will take place on May 16..
He refused bail at his first arraignment in March 7.
Velasquez was present for the short hearing. He made a symbol of a heart with his hands and presented it to the supporters in the gallery. Before being taken out, he led the audience from the courtroom.
In February, the ex-UFC Heavyweight Champion was taken into custody after engaging in an 11-mile chase and firing numerous rounds of ammunition. 40 handgun was fired at a car carrying Harry Goularte who is charged with molesting Velasquez’s close relatives.
Goularte was released under bail for his criminal case, despite the objections of the district attorney.
Velasquez, along with Goularte’s mother and stepfather chased him. He was eventually hit by a stray shot before being transported to the local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Velasquez was later arrested by police and charged with several felonies, including attempted premeditated killing.
During his initial hearing, Judge Shelyna Brown condemned Velasquez’s actions while remanding him back to custody while awaiting trial.
“It is clear to this court that there is clear and convincing evidence that there is a substantial likelihood that release would result in great bodily injury, not just to the named complaining witnesses in this case but to Santa Clara residents at large,” Judge Brown said. This case is about extreme carelessness with human life.
“Ramming a vehicle in the middle of the day where are citizens are out driving, going about their business and shooting out of a car at other individuals, which is reckless by any standard. Anybody could have been hurt. Anybody could have been hurt and the court will take this into account when it examines article 1, 12,. With that said, this court is making the ruling that the risk is too great and that there will be no bail set at this time.”
Velasquez’s attorney Mark Geragos argued at the time that his client wasn’t a flight risk and that he should be allowed to return home to his family while awaiting trial. Now, the retired mixed martial artist will get a second bail hearing in May with hopes that he’ll be able to secure his release.
Velasquez’s plea hearing was rescheduled after Judge Franco gave a prolongation until June 10..
At that time, Velasquez will make a formal plea on the charges against him but this is the second continuance granted in his case following his arrest in March.
