Cain Velasquez entered a plea of no contest in exchange for a lighter sentence.Â
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez pleaded no contest to charges of attempted murder and assault in California on Friday.Â
The 42-year-old was facing an attempted murder trial after allegedly shooting a man accused of molesting his then-four-year-old son after a high-car speed chase in February 2022.
As a result, the premeditated murder charges against him will be dropped, meaning he will no longer face a mandatory sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole.
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Velasquez was arrested after reportedly chasing a pickup carrying Harry Goularte, who is accused of sexually abusing the fighter’s then-four-year-old son at a day care owned by Goularte’s mother.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
Cain Velasquez pleads "no contest"!!This plea means premeditated murder charges against Velasquez will be dropped. He will no longer face a mandatory sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole. He still may do some time though. pic.twitter.com/XTYa1b1wAc
— UPFRONT MMA (@upfrontmma) August 18, 2024
Velasquez allegedly fired a .40-caliber pistol at the vehicle several times, missing his target and wounding Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, who was driving.
‘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,’ District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement. ‘We have excellent law enforcement in this county. Let them do their jobs.’
The sentence hearing has been set for October 18. The actual sentencing is reportedly expected at a later date.
Velasquez finished his MMA career in 2019 after suffering defeat to Francis Ngannou with a record of 14 wins and 3 defeats.
