Former UFC Champion Cain Velasquez Sentenced to Prison for Attempted Murder
San Jose, CA – Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez received a five-year prison sentence on Monday following his guilty plea to attempted murder. The charges stemmed from a 2022 incident where Velasquez targeted a man accused of molesting a relative. The emotionally charged court hearing concluded with the 42-year-old fighter being remanded into custody. This case, involving a high-profile athlete and serious allegations, has drawn significant public attention.
Guilty Plea and Charges
Velasquez admitted guilt to attempted murder, felony assault, and related firearm offenses, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office. The charges originated from a high-speed pursuit in Northern California in February 2022. During the chase, Velasquez discharged a handgun at a truck he was pursuing.
Details of the Incident
Prosecutors stated that Velasquez initiated gunfire at an intersection and subsequently pursued the truck for approximately 11 miles through San Jose. The target of Velasquez’s actions was 46-year-old Harry Goularte, who faces accusations of molesting Velasquez’s relative. While Goularte was the intended target, it was Goularte’s stepfather who sustained injuries from the gunfire during the incident, according to the district attorney’s office.
Victim and Allegations
Harry Goularte is currently awaiting trial on felony child molestation charges and maintains his innocence regarding these accusations.
Sentencing Recommendation and Judge’s Remarks
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office had recommended a 30-year prison term for Velasquez, arguing that he had attempted to murder all three occupants of the truck. However, Judge Arthur Bocanegra, as reported by NBC Bay Area, described Velasquez’s case as extraordinary and emphasized the need to consider the unique circumstances surrounding the crime.
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Sentence Length and Time Served
Velasquez’s five-year sentence includes credit for time already served. News outlets indicate that this credit will likely result in the former UFC fighter serving approximately one year in prison.
Impact Statements and Courtroom Emotion
NBC Bay Area reported that all three individuals who were in the truck at the time of the shooting delivered impact statements during the sentencing hearing. Velasquez’s wife and daughter also addressed the court.
A reporter from local television station KRON noted that Judge Bocanegra appeared emotional while delivering the sentence. The reporter conveyed on social media platform X that the judge expressed that separating a son from his father was the “worst punishment.”
Defense Attorney’s Reaction
Defense attorney Renee Hessling spoke to reporters, stating that despite disappointment over Velasquez’s incarceration, she believed “justice was served today.”
“I do think that the court made a good decision today,” Hessling elaborated. “One that takes into account all of the complexities of this case, the context surrounding the events, and also considers the character of Mr. Velasquez, who is fundamentally a good man and a good father.”
District Attorney’s Statement on Vigilantism
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office characterized Velasquez’s actions as a “vigilante shooting.” District Attorney Jeff Rosen issued a statement following the sentencing, asserting that individuals seeking justice should pursue careers in law enforcement.
“One man’s decision to take the law into his own hands resulted in the injury of an innocent man and endangered schoolchildren, educators, and numerous others in our community,” Rosen stated. “If you aspire to achieve justice in Santa Clara County, please apply to become a law enforcement officer.”