Convicted UFC vet, Cain Velasquez, receives 5-year sentence for 2022 gun attack.
Rewritten Article:
In a court ruling on Monday, Cain Velasquez, the legendary UFC champ, received a 5-year sentence for a shooting that took place in 2022. The incident was triggered by the molestation allegations against Velasquez's son.
Velasquez was sentenced in Santa Clara County, having pleaded no contest to attempted murder, assault, and related gun charges last August. The district attorney's office labelled it a "vigilante shooting spree." He will get credit for time served.
Back in February 2022, Velasquez—the two-time UFC heavyweight king—let off several shots at a truck transporting three individuals, including 46-year-old Harry Goularte, who was charged with felony child molestation, according to the district attorney's office.
Defense attorney Renee Hessling called the sentence "a mix of sweet and bitter," as they had hoped to keep Velasquez out of prison. "Time and again, Cain has shown courage and unwavering character," Hessling stated. "He's faced his actions, taken responsibility, and now serves as proof that justice is served when one pays for their mistakes."
Less than a week prior to the shooting, Goularte was arrested in connection to the sexual assault of a 4-year-old at a daycare run by his family. Released without bail, officials claimed he was under house arrest and en route to pick up an electronic monitoring bracelet when Velasquez attacked.
Velasquez pursued Goularte's truck in an 11-mile car chase, per the district attorney's office. Luckily, Goularte remained unscathed, but his stepfather, driving the vehicle, sustained two gunshot wounds.
On his podcast, Velasquez's former teammate, Kyle Kingsbury, acknowledged that the way Velasquez handled the situation was ill-advised. "We can't pop law on our own," Velasquez stated. "I realize what I did and I recognize the danger it posed to those around us, not just the ones involved."
District Attorney Jeff Rosen branded Velasquez's actions as "putting innocent lives at risk," emphasizing the importance of enforcing the law. "One man's impatience to mete out justice has left an innocent man wounded and endangered countless others in our community," Rosen stated. "If you wish to do justice in Santa Clara County, apply for a badge."
Enrichment Data Incorporated:Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight titan, has been handed down a 5-year sentence for a shooting incident motivated by the alleged molestation of his son by Harry Goularte, who was charged with lewd acts with a minor. Velasquez's actions were classified as a "vigilante shooting spree," as he pursued and engaged in a high-speed chase, firing shots at Goularte's vehicle. This incident occurred following Goularte's release from custody and Velasquez learning of the allegations. Velasquez was initially denied bail but later released in November 2022, spending nearly nine months in jail. He was required to wear a GPS monitor. Goularte has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his trial is set for June 2022.
- Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion, received a 5-year sentence in 2022 for a shooting incident stemming from Harry Goularte's felony child molestation charges.
- Velasquez, the two-time UFC heavyweight king, was implicated in a "vigilante shooting spree" after he pursued and fired shots at Goularte's vehicle during an 11-mile car chase in February 2022.
- Renee Hessling, Velasquez's defense attorney, expressed a sentiment of "bitterness" mixed with "sweetness" regarding the 5-year sentence because they had hoped to keep Velasquez out of prison, citing his courage and unwavering character.
