In a dramatic turn of events, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison following his involvement in a highly publicized vigilante-style shooting incident in 2022. The incident unfolded over a personal quest for justice after Velasquez accused Harry Goularte of molesting his young son. The decision, announced in court on March 24, 2025, has put an end to a significant chapter in this intense legal saga.
The altercation began with an 11-mile car chase through Santa Clara County, California, that could easily be mistaken for a scene from a movie. Velasquez, armed with a .40-caliber handgun, was in pursuit of Goularte, who at the time was out on bail after being charged with committing lewd acts with a minor. The chase came to a terrifying head when Velasquez fired shots at Goularte’s vehicle, hitting Paul Bender, Goularte’s stepfather, in the arm and torso.
Velasquez, who had an illustrious career in the octagon with two UFC championship titles, seemed to have drawn on a different kind of fight outside the ring. In August 2023, he pled no contest to charges, including felony attempted murder and assault with a firearm—wisely dropping the premeditated aspects, which could have led to a life sentence. Instead, by accepting responsibility for his actions, Velasquez has managed to reduce his potential sentence significantly. He has already served three years, which includes eight months behind bars and the remainder under GPS monitoring, leaving him with two years left to serve.
The aftermath of this vigilante action wasn't just a personal journey for justice by Velasquez but also stirred up public discussions about taking the law into one's own hands. Even Velasquez himself admitted in court that his actions, though driven by paternal instinct, were undoubtedly 'reckless' and 'dangerous.' The incident put numerous lives at risk, including innocent bystanders and kids on the streets, underscoring the unintended consequences of rash decisions.
Meanwhile, Harry Goularte, around whom this entire incident revolves, remains free but under GPS monitoring. His trial for the original charges of lewd acts with a minor is set to begin on June 2, 2025. Despite the gravity of the allegations against him, Goularte's freedom has been a contentious issue, with ongoing discussions about the adequacy of current systems in handling such sensitive cases.
Velasquez’s defense team also showcased another layer of complexity to his case, pointing to the potential effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition associated with repeated brain trauma. This circumstance added a profound angle, reflecting how Velasquez's years of sport at the highest levels might have unfavorably influenced his decision-making processes during the incident.
With Velasquez now preparing to serve the remainder of his sentence, the entwined narratives of a father, a fighter, and the search for justice will continue to resonate, highlighting issues that bridge personal trauma and larger societal concerns over justice and punishment.
