Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has recently made headlines not for his formidable feats inside the octagon, but for serious legal issues outside of it. On Friday at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California, Velasquez entered a no-contest plea to felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapon charges. This decision stems from a high-stakes incident involving a car chase and gunfire.
The Incident
The charges against Velasquez originated from a harrowing car chase where he pursued a man he accused of molesting his four-year-old son. The man in question, Harry Goularte, was the target of Velasquez's vengeance. During the high-speed chase, Velasquez fired several shots aimed at a vehicle containing Goularte. However, in a twist of tragic misfortune, the intended target was missed, and instead, Goularte's stepfather was struck by the bullets.
This high-octane scenario led to Velasquez's arrest. Despite the gravity of the situation, he was released from jail in November on a conditional bail set at $1 million. The case has captured widespread attention, not only due to the nature of the accusations but also because of Velasquez’s prominent status in the world of mixed martial arts.
Plea and Legal Maneuvering
By entering a no-contest plea, Velasquez has strategically alleviated some of the legal pressures. This plea removes the element of premeditation from the charges against him, thereby lessening the potential severity of the outcome. Had the premeditation charges stood, Velasquez could have faced a life sentence with the possibility of parole. Now, he is eligible for a lighter sentence, the specifics of which will be clarified in future court hearings.
Goularte, the man at the center of this controversial incident, is not without his own legal battles. He is awaiting trial on one felony count of lewd acts with a child, a charge that has only added more layers of complexity and emotion to the case.
Upcoming Sentencing
The next significant date for Velasquez is his sentencing hearing, scheduled for October 18. This hearing will play a pivotal role in determining his immediate future, as the court will decide the extent of his penalties. Given the emotional and high-profile nature of this case, the sentencing is expected to draw considerable public and media attention.
Career Highlights
Before this legal turmoil, Velasquez enjoyed a storied career in mixed martial arts. He captured the UFC heavyweight championship in December 2012 after a dominant victory over Junior dos Santos. Velasquez was known for his unmatched cardio and relentless pace, characteristics that allowed him to robustly defend his title twice. Unfortunately, his MMA tenure came to an abrupt end following a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019.
The world of professional wrestling also saw Velasquez's talents. He headlined a marquee match against Brock Lesnar in WWE, showcasing his versatility and drawing power in another combat sport.
Cain Velasquez’s journey from a celebrated athlete to a figure embroiled in legal battles serves as a stark reminder of how swiftly fortunes can change. As fans and the sporting world grapple with this shocking turn of events, the legal outcomes will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of Velasquez’s life both inside and outside the ring.