Cain Velasquez Released on Parole
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released on parole after 11 months in prison and has reunited with his family. Velasquez served time from a five-year sentence related to a 2022 shooting case, with his agent confirming he is now home with family.
- The charges stemmed from a February 2022 incident where Velasquez engaged in an 11-mile, high-speed car chase, ramming a truck carrying Harry Goularte Jr., a man accused of molesting Velasquez's young son. - Velasquez fired a .40-caliber handgun multiple times at the vehicle, missing Goularte but striking and injuring his stepfather, Paul Bender. The shooting occurred near a school that was letting out for the day. - Goularte, the intended target, had been arrested for felony child molestation just days before the shooting but was released on his own recognizance over the district attorney's objections. - Velasquez initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to no contest on charges including attempted murder and felony assault. Prosecutors had originally sought a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. - His early release from the five-year sentence was due to credits for time served while awaiting trial and for his participation in rehabilitative programs. - As a condition of his parole, Velasquez is subject to a 10-year protective order that prohibits any contact with Goularte or his family. - Velasquez is a two-time former UFC Heavyweight Champion with a professional record of 14 wins and 3 losses, notable for his knockout victory over Brock Lesnar at UFC 121 to win his first title. - A separate civil lawsuit has been filed by Velasquez's family against Goularte and his family's daycare business where the alleged abuse took place. Goularte has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against him.
