Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has entered a no-contest plea to charges of felony attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapon violations. The plea was submitted on Friday at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California. Velasquez's legal troubles stem from an intense car chase and shooting incident that occurred earlier this year.
The Incident
The dramatic sequence of events began when Velasquez confronted Harry Goularte, a man he accused of molesting his four-year-old son. Fueled by parental rage, Velasquez initiated a high-speed pursuit, during which he fired several shots at a vehicle containing Goularte. Tragically, Velasquez missed his intended target, and Goularte's stepfather was struck instead.
The consequences of this act were immediate and severe. Velasquez was subsequently arrested and held in custody. His release came in November, but it was conditional, with a substantial bail amount set at $1 million. Velasquez's choice to enter a no-contest plea has significant implications for the legal outcome of his case.
Legal Proceedings
By pleading no contest, Velasquez has strategically removed the premeditation charges from his case. These charges would have drastically increased the severity of his sentence, carrying a mandatory life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. The removal of premeditated murder charges opens the door for a potentially lighter sentence, although the specifics will be hashed out in future court hearings.
The sentencing hearing for Velasquez is set for October 18. The courtroom will undoubtedly be a focal point as Velasquez faces the consequences of his actions and seeks leniency from the judicial system.
The Accusations Against Goularte
Parallel to Velasquez's legal battles, Harry Goularte is also awaiting his day in court. Goularte is facing one felony count of lewd acts with a child. The allegation has cast a shadow over the entire incident and will be closely scrutinized as his trial proceeds.
A Storied Career
Cain Velasquez's current situation is a stark contrast to the heights of his professional career. Known for his incredible prowess in the Octagon, Velasquez ascended to the peak of the UFC heavyweight division. In December 2012, he captured the heavyweight championship with a dominant victory over Junior dos Santos. Velasquez successfully defended his title twice before his career took a downturn.
After suffering a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019, Velasquez's MMA tenure came to an abrupt and untimely end. Seeking new avenues for his competitive spirit, he transitioned into professional wrestling. Among his notable appearances was a high-profile match against Brock Lesnar in the WWE, further cementing his legacy across multiple combat sports disciplines.
As the legal proceedings continue, the sports world watches with bated breath. Velasquez's journey from inside the cage to the courtroom captures the complexities and unpredictable nature of life, even for a champion. The upcoming sentencing hearing will be pivotal in determining the next chapter of Cain Velasquez's tumultuous story.