The parents of Harry Goularte, who was involved in the incident that led to former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez’s legal troubles, have expressed profound disappointment with the court’s decision.
Following the sentencing hearing where Velasquez received 5 years jail time with 3 years already served, Patricia Bender spoke outside the courthouse about her family’s reaction to the verdict.
“The sentence is extremely disappointing,” Bender stated firmly. “It’s based on an alleged allegation that has no basis. It is unfounded.”
In February 2022, Velasquez was accused of shooting at Harry Goularte and his parents during an 11-mile high-speed car chase in Morgan Hill. Paul Bender, Harry’s stepfather, was shot during the incident.
The case stems from allegations made against Goularte that the family vehemently denies. Patricia Bender expressed confidence in their ability to disprove these claims.
“We are looking for the opportunity in Harry’s case to prove that. As we do have ample amount of evidence to do that,” she continued. “It’s sad that the court system and the public can be influenced by simply somebody stating something with no facts.”
Bender also highlighted the support they’ve received from community members, including families whose children attended their daycare facility.
“I’m glad we were supported by all of our family members, friends, and multiple years of daycare children,” she said. “You notice there are young children who have grown up in that facility, none of which will back any of those allegations made by the Alaskans.”
The sentencing marks a significant development in a case that has drawn widespread attention since the incident occurred nearly two years ago. Velasquez, who once dominated the UFC’s heavyweight division, now faces the remainder of his sentence while the Goularte family continues to challenge the allegations that sparked the confrontation.
