Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison for a 2022 shooting incident. Velasquez had been on house arrest since November 2022 and received credit for 1,283 days already served.
The sentencing took place in Santa Clara County court in San Jose, California, following his no-contest plea to felony attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges. The case stemmed from Velasquez’s attempt to take justice into his own hands after his son was allegedly molested.
Legal Consequences, Attorney’s Statement, and Velasquez’s Reflection on His Actions
Velasquez’s legal troubles began when he pursued and shot at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte, the man accused of molesting his then-4-year-old son. During the car chase, Velasquez accidentally shot Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, who was inside the vehicle.
His attorney, Renee M. Hessling, expressed disappointment in the sentencing, stating that while they hoped Velasquez would remain free, he has taken responsibility for his actions. Hessling emphasized that Velasquez remains a devoted father and respected community member.
Cain Velasquez (UFC)In a recent interview, Velasquez admitted that his actions were not the right way to handle the situation. Speaking on former teammate Kyle Kingsbury’s podcast, he acknowledged the dangers of his actions and expressed regret for endangering innocent people.
He emphasized the importance of not taking the law into one’s own hands and stated his willingness to accept the consequences of his decisions. His words reflect a level of accountability despite the emotional distress that led to the incident.
Details of the 2022 Shooting Incident and Upcoming Trial
The shooting took place on February 28, 2022, during an 11-mile car chase from Morgan Hill to San Jose. Velasquez fired multiple rounds from a .40-caliber handgun, missing Goularte but hitting Bender in the arm and torso. Goularte, who has pleaded not guilty, is scheduled for trial on June 2 on a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor. The allegations against Goularte, along with Velasquez’s reaction, have led to a highly publicized legal battle.
Velasquez, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, gained fame after defeating Brock Lesnar in 2010. His career was hampered by injuries, leading to his retirement in 2019. Following his arrest, the UFC publicly supported Velasquez, with CEO Dana White submitting a letter to the court calling him a “model example of how a professional athlete should carry himself.” Despite his legal troubles, Velasquez remains a respected figure in the combat sports world, with many standing by him through this challenging time.
