Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has entered a no-contest plea to felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapon charges. This development follows a dramatic car chase incident that took place in San Jose, California, where Velasquez pursued a man he accused of molesting his four-year-old son.
On Friday, Velasquez appeared at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice to submit his plea. The charges stem from an intense high-speed car pursuit during which Velasquez fired several shots at a vehicle carrying the alleged assailant, Harry Goularte. Unfortunately, the intended target was missed, and instead, Goularte's stepfather was struck by one of the bullets.
The Incident
The incident that led to these serious charges against Velasquez is rooted in deeply personal motivations. Velasquez, acting on his anger and protective instincts, took matters into his own hands when he learned of the accusations against Goularte. The chase and subsequent shooting resulted in Velasquez's arrest and generated significant media attention, highlighting the former champion's fall from grace and the complex emotional facets of his case.
Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest, Velasquez was released on conditional bail set at $1 million in November. By entering a no-contest plea, Velasquez strategically removed the premeditated charges from the legal proceedings, which effectively lessened the potential severity of his punishment. While premeditation charges would have brought a mandatory life sentence with the possibility of parole, the absence of these charges means Velasquez is now eligible for a lighter sentence.
The specifics of his sentencing will be determined in future court hearings, with the next one scheduled for October 18. Velasquez's legal trajectory and eventual sentencing will be followed closely, as it unfolds the repercussions of his actions in a court of law.
Meanwhile, Harry Goularte, the individual accused by Velasquez, is awaiting trial on one felony count of lewd acts with a child. This parallel legal proceeding adds another layer of intensity and scrutiny to the entire situation, involving various stakeholders who are all navigating legal battles of their own.
Cain Velasquez: A Storied Career
Cain Velasquez's journey through mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional wrestling has been nothing short of remarkable. He captured the UFC heavyweight championship in December 2012, dominating Junior dos Santos in an awe-inspiring performance. Following this victory, Velasquez went on to robustly defend his title twice, cementing his status as one of the premier athletes in the sport.
However, Velasquez's MMA career came to an abrupt end after a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019. This defeat marked the conclusion to his time in the UFC, but Velasquez didn't retire from the limelight. He transitioned to professional wrestling, where he competed in a high-profile match against Brock Lesnar in WWE, showcasing his versatile athletic talents.
Future Implications
As the October 18 sentencing date approaches, the attention of the sports world is fixated on what lies ahead for Velasquez. His plea marks a significant turning point in the ongoing legal saga, offering a glimpse into the potential for a lighter sentence. The court’s decision will ultimately influence Velasquez's future, both personally and professionally.
Through it all, Velasquez has remained a figure who evokes a broad spectrum of public emotions—from admiration for his achievements in MMA to the complexities of his recent legal troubles. His story is one of triumph, downfall, and the ongoing quest for redemption.