Cain Velasquez Enters No-Contest Plea in Attempted Murder Case
In a dramatic turn of events, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez entered a no-contest plea to felony charges of attempted murder, assault, and multiple weapons violations at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California. The proceedings on Friday shed light on the high-stakes incident that led to these serious charges.
The charges against Velasquez emerged from a car chase incident that could rival a Hollywood thriller. Velasquez pursued a man he accused of molesting his four-year-old son, leading to a tense high-speed chase. The former UFC champion allegedly fired several shots at the vehicle carrying the accused, Harry Goularte. Although his intended target was not hit, the gunfire struck Goularte’s stepfather, intensifying the legal ramifications for Velasquez.
Following his arrest, Velasquez was released from jail in November under conditional bail set at a staggering $1 million. This no-contest plea marks a pivotal moment in his legal battle, as it eliminates the component of premeditated charges from the proceedings. Premeditation could have resulted in a mandatory life sentence with the possibility of parole, thereby significantly escalating the severity of his potential punishment. With this plea, Velasquez now stands a chance at a lighter sentence, which will be determined in forthcoming court hearings.
The gravity of this case cannot be overstated, given Velasquez’s high-profile status both in the MMA and professional wrestling arenas. Velasquez’s illustrious MMA career peaked in December 2012 when he captured the UFC heavyweight championship with a dominant victory over Junior dos Santos. He managed to defend his title robustly twice before his MMA career was abruptly ended by a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2019. Not one to be easily sidelined, Velasquez also ventured into professional wrestling, adding a notable match against Brock Lesnar in WWE to his repertoire.
While Velasquez’s no-contest plea has drawn considerable attention, the broader context of the underlying accusations has also kept the public and media engaged. Harry Goularte, the man Velasquez accused of molesting his son, is awaiting trial on a felony count of lewd acts with a child. This makes the legal landscape around this case extraordinarily complex, intertwining serious allegations of sexual misconduct with a high-profile attempted murder trial involving a celebrity athlete.
As Velasquez awaits his sentencing hearing scheduled for October 18, the sporting world and public at large will be watching closely. The no-contest plea is a rare and strategic move in legal battles of this magnitude, effectively nudging the case towards a resolution while sidestepping the potential for life imprisonment. Velasquez’s fate now rests in the hands of the judiciary, who will weigh his actions within the broader context of the traumatic accusations involving his family.
One can only speculate on the sentence Velasquez will receive, but it’s evident that this case will leave a lasting mark on his life and career. Whether inside the octagon or a wrestling ring, Velasquez has always been known for his resilience and tenacity. Now, those same qualities are being tested in a far more grueling and personal arena—the courtroom.
The sports community will undoubtedly continue to follow Cain Velasquez’s legal journey closely, as it encapsulates a dramatic narrative of justice, accountability, and the lengths one might go to protect their loved ones. In the interim, the spotlight remains firmly on the eventual sentencing and the subsequent steps in this convoluted and highly charged case.