Cain Velasquez’s attempted murder trial, set for September 9, is likely to be delayed as his attorney plans to request a continuance, with the former UFC champion currently out on bail and facing potential life imprisonment if convicted.
Cain Velasquez is set to go to trial on Sept. 9 for attempted murder charges. However, it’s likely the former UFC heavyweight champion’s court case will be delayed.
On Wednesday, a trial readiness hearing took place in Santa Clara County Court, California. Velasquez’s attorney, Renee Hessling, appeared before Judge Elizabeth Peterson to provide an update as the trial date approaches.
Hessling mentioned she plans to file for a continuance to push back the September start date. “I would indicate that I am not ready for trial in September,” Hessling told the court.
“I have not filed a 1050. As the date gets closer, if I am still not ready, I will file a 1050 that outlines the good cause reasoning,” she added. A 1050 is a penal code used by either side when seeking a continuance in court.
Despite Hessling’s intentions, a judge won’t rule on it until later. For now, Velasquez’s trial is still expected to begin on Sept. 9 at 8:35 a.m. local time.
The judge ordered that Velasquez must appear at the start of his trial if the date remains unchanged. Velasquez, 41, was arrested on Feb. 28, 2022.
He allegedly went on a high-speed chase pursuing Harry Goularte—a man accused of sexually abusing his son—at a daycare owned by Goularte’s mother. During this chase, Velasquez allegedly fired several rounds from a handgun into the vehicle.
Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, was hit by a bullet but sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Goularte faces separate charges and has his own trial-setting date scheduled for July 17.
While awaiting his trial, Velasquez remains out on bail after spending several months in jail. He has since returned to coaching at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose and performed in professional wrestling shows.
The prosecution previously argued against further delays since Velasquez was first arrested back in February 2022. Discussions about a potential resolution or plea deal are ongoing but no agreement has been reached yet.
If convicted on all charges, Velasquez could face life in prison.