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Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez will have to spend a few more months behind bars as he was denied bail by Judge Shelyna Brown in the attempted murder case. Represented by defense attorney Mark Geragos, Velasquez cited changes in circumstances since the last arraignment (on March 7) and called for another hearing and reconsideration by judge Brown.
The hearing that went for 30 minutes had both parties making additional arguments, in addition to the statements in previously filed paperwork. In the same light, Velasquez’s attorney cited traumatic brain injuries and potential CTE – presumably suffered through his fighting career as the reason for his actions against Harry Goularte and his stepfather Paul Bender, as the two drove on public streets.
On the victim’s behalf, the Santa Clara County district attorney’s office, represented by Aaron French, argued there were no reasonable terms of the agreement that would ensure the safety of alleged victims Goularte, his mother Patricia Goularte (who was also in the vehicle), and Bender.
After reviewing both parties’ arguments, judge Brown denies bail to Velasquez on what she reckons “reckless” actions based on facts. Although the judge acknowledged the potential for TBI and CTE to play a factor in the alleged incident she looked worried about the victim’s safety and said those factors will be taken into consideration during trials.
Shelyna Brown also acknowledged the community support Cain Velasquez has been getting during all this but she said that court decisions are not affected by community opinion. “The court always appreciates community interest in a case, but the court is not ruled by community opinion at all. The court is ruled only by the law. The law, in this case, is clear,” said Judge Brown.
