San Jose, CA – Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday for his role in a 2022 shooting incident stemming from a pursuit of a man accused of molesting his son. The sentencing took place in Santa Clara County Superior Court, where Velasquez had previously entered a no-contest plea in August to charges including attempted murder, felony assault, and multiple gun-related offenses.
The case, described by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office as a “vigilante shooting spree,” unfolded in February 2022. Velasquez, a two-time UFC titleholder, allegedly fired multiple shots at a truck carrying three individuals, one of whom was 46-year-old Harry Goularte. Goularte faces separate felony charges for the alleged molestation of a 4-year-old child, identified by authorities as Velasquez’s son, at a daycare operated by Goularte’s family.
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According to court records, the shooting occurred less than a week after Goularte’s arrest on child molestation charges. Goularte had been released from custody without bail and was under house arrest, en route to obtain an electronic monitoring device, when Velasquez pursued and attacked the vehicle. No one was killed in the incident, though one passenger in the truck sustained injuries.
Velasquez’s defense attorney, Renee Hessling, described the sentencing as a “bittersweet” outcome, noting that the legal team had hoped to avoid prison time for the former fighter. “Throughout it all, Cain has shown courage and strength of character,” Hessling said in a statement. “He has taken responsibility for his actions and has been held accountable. The sentence handed down today reflects the complexities of the situation and acknowledges the man behind the headlines.”
Velasquez, who will receive credit for time already served, rose to prominence in mixed martial arts as one of the UFC’s most dominant heavyweights, securing the championship title twice during his career. The incident and subsequent legal proceedings have drawn significant attention due to the personal nature of the alleged provocation and Velasquez’s high-profile status.
The sentencing closes a chapter in a case that has sparked debate over justice, retribution, and the legal system’s handling of both Velasquez’s actions and the underlying allegations against Goularte, whose case remains ongoing.
Key Points: Cain Velasquez Sentencing for 2022 Shooting
- Sentencing: Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison on March 24, 2025, in Santa Clara County, California, for a 2022 shooting incident.
- Charges: Velasquez pled no contest in August 2024 to attempted murder, felony assault, and gun-related charges after firing at a truck in February 2022.
- Incident: The shooting targeted Harry Goularte, 46, who faces felony child molestation charges involving Velasquez’s 4-year-old son. Velasquez chased and shot at a truck carrying Goularte and two others.
- Context: Goularte had been arrested days earlier for the alleged molestation at a family-run daycare, released without bail, and was under house arrest when the attack occurred.
- Defense Perspective: Attorney Renee Hessling called the outcome “bittersweet,” highlighting Velasquez’s accountability and character, though the defense aimed to avoid prison time.
- Credit for Time Served: Velasquez will receive credit for time already spent in custody.
- Ongoing Case: Goularte’s child molestation case remains pending, separate from Velasquez’s sentencing.
