San Jose, California – Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison for charges of attempted murder following a long-awaited hearing at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice. The 42-year-old Velasquez faced serious accusations stemming from a 2022 incident involving a high-speed car chase and gunfire directed at Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting Velasquez’s young son. The sentencing on Monday marked the end of a three-year legal battle that had faced repeated delays in the courts.
The Superior Court Judge overseeing the case, Arthur Bocanegra, delivered the verdict after Velasquez pleaded no contest to all 10 felony charges against him. The charges ranged from attempted murder to assault with a deadly weapon, stemming from the car chase where Velasquez fired shots at a vehicle carrying Goularte and his family. The incident resulted in non-life threatening injuries to Goularte’s stepfather.
Prosecutors sought a lengthy sentence of 30 years to life for Velasquez, while his defense hoped for time served and probation. Impact statements from Velasquez, his family, and Goularte’s family were presented during the court proceedings. Velasquez’s daughter made a heartfelt plea for her father’s attendance at her high-school soccer games, highlighting his role as her biggest supporter and source of strength.
Following the sentencing, Velasquez expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged the need to accept the consequences of his behavior. He also revealed forgiveness towards Goularte’s family, recognizing the importance of trust and open communication with children. Velasquez’s family has pursued a civil lawsuit against the Goularte family in light of the incident and its aftermath.
As a former UFC heavyweight champion, Velasquez was a prominent figure in mixed martial arts, known for his talent in the sport. Despite setbacks due to injuries throughout his career, he achieved significant milestones in the UFC, including capturing the heavyweight title in 2010 and successfully defending it twice. Velasquez’s venture into professional wrestling with WWE was short-lived, and he had recently been involved in preparations for the Global Fight League’s debut season before the sentencing.
Moving forward, Velasquez’s future in the sports world remains uncertain as he faces time behind bars. The sentencing marks a significant chapter in the athlete’s life, prompting reflection on his actions and the impact on those involved in the case. The legal proceedings have come to a close, but the repercussions of Velasquez’s actions continue to reverberate within his family and the broader community.