(Note: This article has been updated with the latest information)
Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight titleholder, has been sentenced to five years in prison for a shooting in 2022.
Velasquez, aged 42, appeared for his sentencing at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California, on Monday. He had previously pleaded no contest to charges, including attempted murder. NBC Bay Area reports that he received a five-year prison sentence.
This five-year sentence is calculated from the date of his arrest, making his release date approximately February 28, 2027.
According to reports from the courtroom, including MMA journalist Josh Gross, Judge Arthur Bolcanegra stated that Velasquez will receive credit for 1,283 days already served. This means he will need to serve an additional 542 days in prison.
KTVU FOX 2 reported that 70 spectators were present in the courtroom. Impact statements were presented from Velasquez, his 15-year-old daughter, and his wife, as well as from Harry Goularte, the target of the shooting, and his family.
Prosecutors had requested a sentence of 30 years to life, while the defense argued for no prison time. Judge Bocanegra delivered his final sentence after a recess for lunch.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen stated: “One person’s decision to take the law into his own hands resulted in an innocent man being wounded and put schoolchildren, teachers, and many community members in danger. If you want to pursue justice in Santa Clara County, please consider becoming a law enforcement officer.”
The charges stem from an incident in February 2022. Velasquez pursued another vehicle in his truck at high speed and fired a handgun at it. The vehicle was carrying Goularte and his family, who operated the daycare that Velasquez`s four-year-old son attended. Goularte had been arrested prior to this incident for allegedly molesting Velasquez`s son.
The gunfire from Velasquez penetrated Goularte`s vehicle and injured Goularte`s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm. The Goularte family has expressed ongoing fear for their safety.
Patricia Goularte and Bender spoke to reporters outside the courthouse after the sentencing.
Patricia Goularte stated, “The sentence is very disappointing. It is based on an alleged accusation that is baseless. It is unfounded. We are seeking the opportunity in Harry’s case to prove this, as we have significant evidence to do so. It is unfortunate that the court system and the public can be influenced by mere statements without factual basis. We are looking forward to that opportunity. I am grateful for the support of our family, friends, and many years of daycare children. If you notice, young adults who grew up in our daycare are here, and none of them support the allegations made by the Velasquez family.”
Velasquez was incarcerated for nearly nine months and initially denied bail. However, a successful appeal led to a different judge granting conditional release. Judge Bocanegra cited Velasquez’s community standing and the strong public support as factors in his decision.
Velasquez had been under GPS monitoring and was allowed to participate in professional wrestling and MMA events.
In an interview before his sentencing, Velasquez stated he accepted responsibility for his actions and was ready to face the consequences.
“What I did was wrong,” Velasquez admitted. “I understand that. I have paid and will continue to pay for what I need to. I don’t believe I can ever fully repay it, but I can learn from my mistakes and help others. It`s important to be aware of who people truly are. Trust your children. Have open conversations with them, even from a young age, about what is appropriate and inappropriate. This way, they will feel comfortable telling you if something is wrong. Becoming more self-aware helps shed light on dark situations like these.”
“Even with what that family has done, I cannot harbor hate for them. I need to move forward and give love to my children and those around me. I must share this experience with everyone, so I cannot hate them. I wish them healing in whatever way is best for them. I understand they have also experienced trauma. It is not right to spread hate – no. I am glad they have stopped operating their daycare. I have forgiven them, and I know my children are safe.”
In addition to attempted murder, Velasquez was charged with multiple counts, including shooting at a motor vehicle, assault with a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony. The attempted murder charge alone carried a potential sentence of 20 years to life.
Goularte has pleaded not guilty to one charge of lewd acts with a minor and his trial is scheduled for June 2.
The Velasquez family has also filed a separate civil lawsuit against the Goularte family and their associated businesses. The daycare, run by Goularte’s mother, Patricia, has been closed.
