Cain Velasquez Pleads No Contest in Attempted Murder Case

In a recent development, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has pleaded no contest to charges of felony attempted murder, assault, and several weapons offenses in a California court. This plea deal was struck in exchange for a potentially lighter sentence.

Velasquez, age 42, faced serious charges stemming from a February 2022 incident where he shot at a man who was accused of molesting his young son. However, during this incident, he inadvertently injured the man’s stepfather instead, following a dramatic high-speed car chase.

This plea was entered before Judge Arthur Bocanegra at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice, located in San Jose, California. Originally, Velasquez was set to commence trial on September 9, but recent developments have led to changes in the timeline.

A hearing for sentencing is currently scheduled for October 18, although it’s been indicated that the actual sentencing may take place at a later time. By entering this plea, multiple charges—particularly the premeditated murder charges—will be dismissed. This change means Velasquez will no longer face the possibility of a mandatory life sentence in prison.

District Attorney Jeff Rosen expressed strong sentiments regarding the case, stating, “This defendant decided to become judge, jury, and executioner. His actions endangered innocent bystanders, including young children and their parents who could have been injured or killed as he shot at his intended victim. We have excellent law enforcement in this county. Let them do their jobs.”

Details from the February 2022 incident reveal that Velasquez was allegedly shooting at a pickup truck that contained Harry Goularte—the individual accused of molesting his then four-year-old son. This event unfolded during an 11-mile car chase that took place on the afternoon of February 28, 2022. Goularte was a passenger in the vehicle driven by his stepfather, Paul Bender, as they traveled from Morgan Hill to San Jose.

During the chase, Velasquez reportedly discharged multiple rounds from a .40 caliber handgun. The shots missed their intended target and instead struck Bender in both the arm and torso. Following the car chase, law enforcement arrested Velasquez without incident.

After his arrest, Velasquez was released in November 2022 after posting a $1 million bail, while he awaited trial. Meanwhile, Goularte continues to face charges for child molestation related to the case involving Velasquez’s son.

Moving forward, the county probation department is tasked with creating a sentencing recommendation. This will take into account the seriousness of Velasquez’s actions, along with his lack of prior criminal history, as well as the context surrounding the reported sexual abuse involving his son.