Cain Velasquez is currently in prison, serving a five-year sentence after pleading no contest to several charges, including attempted murder. However, he continues to face legal repercussions from a car chase incident in 2022.
In a recent court hearing, Velasquez`s attorney, Renee Hessling, addressed the issue of restitution, which involves determining the financial compensation to be paid to the victims. Velasquez himself was not present at the hearing.
While the judge postponed the hearing to June 3rd, Hessling stated that reaching a restitution agreement is proving challenging due to the victims` financial requests.
Hessling argued in court that the amount of money being sought by the victims is excessive and unreasonable, indicating that they intend to contest it legally.
California law mandates that victims of crimes like these receive restitution from the convicted individual. However, the exact amount Velasquez will be required to pay remains to be decided.
The prison sentence for the former UFC heavyweight champion stems from an incident where he engaged in an 11-mile high-speed pursuit of a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte. Goularte is accused of molesting Velasquez`s young son at a daycare facility owned by Goularte`s mother. During the chase, Velasquez fired multiple shots at the vehicle, accidentally injuring Goularte`s stepfather, Paul Bender, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Harry Goularte is facing separate charges related to the alleged molestation, with his next court appearance scheduled in June. Velasquez`s family has also filed a civil lawsuit against Goularte and the daycare center.
Regarding the upcoming restitution hearing, Hessling emphasized that she is still seeking further information from the victims before attempting to reach an agreement on the amount Velasquez will owe.
Hessling mentioned that several unresolved issues need to be addressed or potentially litigated in court during the restitution hearing, which will be scheduled at a later date.
“It is clear that Mr. Velasquez owes restitution in this case,” Hessling acknowledged. “However, some claims include demands for daycare-related expenses, with the victims seeking $1 million in restitution for that aspect alone.”
“We are definitely challenging this particular claim, but [Deputy District Attorney Aaron French] is correct in that we believe we can agree on certain points and then focus on the remaining disputed issues.”
Deputy District Attorney Aaron French, representing the prosecution, mentioned that the victims have hired their own attorney for the restitution hearing. He also expressed hope for a prompt resolution to the case.
“The victims are eager to put this chapter of their lives behind them,” French stated. “We hope the defense will have the necessary documents by the next court date so that we can schedule the hearing soon after.”
Judge Elizabeth C. Peterson has scheduled the next court date for June 3rd to set a date for the restitution hearing. The actual hearing date is expected to be determined at that time.
Velasquez is currently incarcerated at Wasco State Prison in California and is eligible for parole as early as March 2026.
