Cain Velasquez, the former UFC heavyweight champion, was sentenced to prison for five years. This comes in the wake of an officer-involved shooting in Eugene on Feb. 28, 2022. Velasquez was accused of firing multiple rounds at a pickup truck carrying Harry Goularte during an 11-mile car chase in San Jose, California. Goularte’s stepfather Paul Bender was driving the car. He was shot in the arm and torso during the altercation.
Velasquez retired from professional mixed martial arts in 2019. He was known for being a top star in the sport, winning the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight title in unforgettable fashion by besting Brock Lesnar in November 2010. From there, the charges against him ballooned to felony attempted murder, assault and a variety of other felony weapons violations. In August, Velasquez entered a no contest plea on these charges.
The drama began when Velasquez chased the vehicle transporting Goularte and Bender, shooting at the vehicle six times with a .40-caliber handgun. While his intended target was Goularte, Velasquez shot and killed Bender instead. After the chase, Velasquez was taken into custody without incident.
From March 5, 2020, when he was first booked into Santa Clara County Jail, until his sentencing, Velasquez received credit for 1,283 days of time served. The UFC offered public support to Velasquez throughout his case, with CEO Dana White submitting a letter to the court describing him as a "model example of how a professional athlete should carry himself."
In a statement, Velasquez expressed remorse for his actions:
"Not just people involved, but innocent people. I understand what I did and I'm willing to do everything I have to [do] to pay that back." – Cain Velasquez
Renee M. Hessling, an attorney representing Velasquez, commented on the case:
"What he and his family have endured has been nothing short of a living nightmare — one they did not deserve." – Renee M. Hessling
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