Cain Velasquez Released From Prison
The MMA community is celebrating Cain Velasquez's release from prison, marking a significant moment for the former heavyweight champion. Velasquez had served 18 months in jail for family protection, sparking debates about injustice in the system.
- The charges against Velasquez included attempted murder and multiple gun assault charges. He engaged in an 11-mile, high-speed car chase, ramming a truck and firing a .40-caliber handgun. - The intended target of the shooting was Harry Goularte Jr., a man accused of molesting Velasquez's young son at a daycare run by Goularte's mother. Goularte was out on bail at the time of the incident. - Velasquez's shots missed Goularte and instead struck his stepfather, who was driving the vehicle and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. - In August 2024, Velasquez pleaded no contest to all charges, which means he did not admit guilt but accepted the punishment. - He was sentenced in March 2025 to five years in prison and four years of supervised probation. His early release on February 15, 2026, was due to credit for time already served and participation in rehabilitation programs. - In addition to the criminal case, Velasquez filed a civil lawsuit against Harry Goularte Jr. and his family over the alleged sexual abuse. - The case against Harry Goularte Jr. for felony child molestation is still pending.
