LOS ANGELES -- Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez has been sentenced to five years in prison following a shooting incident that occurred in 2022. This incident involved Velasquez pursuing a man accused of molesting his son. The sentencing took place in Santa Clara County, where Velasquez pled no contest to charges including attempted murder, felony assault, and other related gun charges last August. The district attorney's office described the event as a “b vigilante shooting spree” and noted that Velasquez will receive credit for time served.
In February 2022, the two-time UFC heavyweight champion fired multiple shots at a truck carrying three individuals, including 46-year-old Harry Goularte, who is currently facing felony child molestation charges, as reported by the district attorney's office. Velasquez's defense attorney, Renee Hessling, expressed that the outcome was “bittersweet,” as the defense team had aimed to prevent Velasquez from serving prison time. “Throughout it all, Cain has shown courage and strength of character,” Hessling stated. “He has taken responsibility for his actions and has been held accountable. The sentence handed down today reflects the complexities of the situation and acknowledges the man behind the headlines.”
Less than a week before the shooting, Goularte was arrested for the sexual assault of a 4-year-old child at a daycare owned by his family. He was released without bail shortly after his arrest. Officials indicated that he was under house arrest and was on his way to retrieve an electronic monitoring bracelet when Velasquez initiated the attack. The car chase lasted for approximately 11 miles (17.7 kilometers), during which Velasquez shot at Goularte's truck. Fortunately, Goularte was uninjured, but his stepfather, who was driving, sustained two gunshot wounds.
In addition to the criminal charges, Velasquez has initiated a lawsuit against Goularte and his family’s daycare for negligence and sexual battery. On a podcast hosted by his former teammate Kyle Kingsbury, Velasquez reflected on the incident, acknowledging that his response was “not the way to do it.” He stated, “We cannot put the law in our own hands. I know what I did, and I know what I did was very dangerous to other people. Not just to those involved, but to innocent people as well. I understand what I did, and I’m willing to do everything I have to, to pay that back.”
Furthermore, Velasquez emphasized the importance of having open and honest conversations with children regarding acceptable behavior and the necessity of listening to their concerns. In a statement, District Attorney Jeff Rosen condemned Velasquez's actions, stating, “One man’s decision to take the law into his own hands left an innocent man wounded and endangered schoolchildren, teachers, and many others in our community. If you want to do justice in Santa Clara County, please apply for a badge.”
