Cain Velasquez Takes Plea Deal in Shooting Case
Former UFC champion and Arizona State University wrestler Cain Velasquez recently made headlines after pleading no contest in a shooting case involving a man charged with molesting his son. The incident, which took place in February 2022, led to Velasquez facing charges of attempted murder and nine gun assault charges. However, with a possible sentence of life in prison looming, Velasquez decided to take a plea deal for leniency.
The plea was entered in a San Jose, California courtroom, as reported by The Mercury News. The District Attorney’s Office in Santa Clara County dropped premeditation allegations, thereby removing the possibility of a life sentence for Velasquez.
The shooting incident occurred on Feb. 28, 2022, when Velasquez allegedly pursued a truck carrying the man charged with molesting his son, ultimately firing multiple shots and injuring the driver, Paul Bender. The man, Harry Goularte Jr., was in the vehicle with his stepfather and mother at the time, en route to get an ankle monitor fitted in San Jose.
Following the shooting, Velasquez surrendered to authorities and was later released on monitored release after spending nine months in prison. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for October 18, with the final sentencing expected to take place in late 2024.
Velasquez, a former ASU wrestler turned UFC fighter, has had a successful career in mixed martial arts, winning the heavyweight championship four times. His last fight in the UFC was in February 2019.
Meanwhile, Goularte is still facing charges for a lewd and lascivious act with a child, with his trial currently in pretrial proceedings.
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