Introduction to the Case
Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison Monday for a shooting in 2022 where he chased after the man accused of molesting his son.
Velasquez was sentenced in Santa Clara County after he pled no contest to attempted murder, felony assault, and other related gun charges last August for what the district attorney’s office called a “vigilante shooting spree.” He will receive credit for time served.
The Shooting Incident
In February 2022, the two-time UFC heavyweight champion fired a gun multiple times at a truck carrying three people, including 46-year-old Harry Goularte, who is facing felony child molestation charges, according to the district attorney’s office.
His defense attorney, Renee Hessling, called the result “bittersweet” as they had hoped to keep Velasquez out of prison.
Reaction from the Defense
“Throughout it all, Cain has shown courage and strength of character," Hessling said in a statement. “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.”
Background of the Incident
Less than a week prior to the shooting, Goularte was arrested in connection to the sexual assault of a 4-year-old at the daycare owned by his family. He was released without bail a few days later. Officials said he was released under house arrest and was on his way to retrieve an electronic monitoring bracelet when Velasquez attacked.
Velasquez shot at Goularte’s truck in a car chase that lasted for 11 miles (17.7 kilometers), the district attorney’s office said. Goularte was uninjured, but his stepfather, who was driving, was hit twice.
Reflections from Velasquez
On his former teammate Kyle Kingsbury’s podcast, Velasquez said the way he handled the situation was “not the way to do it.”
“We cannot put the law in our own hands," Velasquez said. "I know what I did, and I know what I did was very dangerous to other people, you know? Not just to people involved, but innocent people. I understand what I did and I’m willing to do everything I have to, to pay that back.”
Velasquez also said it was important to have open and honest with your kids about what kind of behavior is acceptable and listen to what they say.
Statement from the District Attorney
“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," District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement. "If you want to do justice in Santa Clara County, please apply for a badge.”
Conclusion
The case of Cain Velasquez highlights the complexities of vigilante justice and the importance of allowing the law to take its course. While the motivations behind Velasquez’s actions may have been rooted in a desire to protect his son, the consequences of his actions led to harm for innocent individuals and a significant sentence for himself.
FAQs
- Q: What was Cain Velasquez sentenced for?
A: Velasquez was sentenced for attempted murder, felony assault, and other related gun charges. - Q: Why did Velasquez plead no contest?
A: The details of his plea are not fully outlined in the provided information, but it is mentioned that he pled no contest as part of the legal process. - Q: What happened to Harry Goularte?
A: Goularte was uninjured in the shooting but was facing felony child molestation charges. - Q: How long will Velasquez serve in prison?
A: Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison and will receive credit for time served.
