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LOS ANGELES — Cain Velasquez, a former UFC champion, received a five-year prison sentence on Monday for a 2022 shooting. The incident occurred when he pursued the individual accused of sexually abusing his son.
Velasquez’s sentencing in Santa Clara County follows his no contest plea last August to charges including attempted murder, felony assault, and other firearm-related offenses. The district attorney’s office characterized the event as a “vigilante shooting spree.” He will be credited for time already served.
In February 2022, the two-time UFC heavyweight champion discharged a firearm multiple times at a truck carrying three occupants. Among them was 46-year-old Harry Goularte, who, according to the district attorney’s office, faces felony child molestation charges.
Renee Hessling, Velasquez’s defense attorney, described the outcome as “bittersweet,” as they had hoped to avoid a prison sentence for Velasquez.
“Throughout this ordeal, Cain has displayed remarkable courage and strength,” Hessling stated. “He has accepted responsibility for his actions and has been held accountable. The sentence delivered today acknowledges the complexities of the situation and recognizes the individual behind the headlines.”
Less than a week before the shooting, Goularte was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 4-year-old at a daycare operated by his family. He was released without bail a few days later, placed under house arrest, and was en route to obtain an electronic monitoring device when Velasquez confronted him, officials stated.
The district attorney’s office reported that Velasquez fired shots at Goularte’s truck during an 11-mile car chase. Goularte escaped injury, but his stepfather, who was driving, sustained two gunshot wounds.
Velasquez has stated that the sexual assault involved his child and has filed a lawsuit against Goularte and his family’s daycare, alleging negligence and sexual battery.
During an appearance on his former teammate Kyle Kingsbury’s podcast, Velasquez admitted that his actions were “not the way to do it.”
“We cannot take the law into our own hands,” Velasquez said. “I am aware of my actions, and I understand the danger they posed to others, including innocent bystanders. I understand what I did and I’m willing to do everything I have to, to pay that back.”
Velasquez also emphasized the importance of open and honest communication with children regarding acceptable behavior and actively listening to their concerns.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen stated, “One individual’s decision to take the law into his own hands resulted in the injury of an innocent man and endangered the safety of schoolchildren, teachers, and numerous others within our community. If you aspire to deliver justice in Santa Clara County, I encourage you to apply to become a badge.”
