Up to Date: A Complete Summary of The Cain Velasquez Situation
From jail to bail - A recap story of the unfortunate situation ex-UFC champion Cain Velasquez finds himself in.
For those unaware, Cain Velasquez is currently facing 20 years to life in prison for a charge of premeditated attempted murder and 10 other charges. The following story will reveal the details. Let's start from the beginning:
Where It All Began
Feb. 28th, the night of the arrest.
8 months ago, on February 28th, an enraged father got into his car with a loaded gun. That father was former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Cain Velasquez. Velasquez engaged in an 11-mile speed chase in which he followed Harry Goularte and his stepfather, Paul Bender, shooting at them with his firearm. His alleged target was Goularte, but unfortunately, the bullets hit Bender, wounding his shoulder. Velasquez was arrested that night and news quickly broke into the MMA world.
Cries of support from fans and fighters alike roared in favor of Cain, many considering his actions to be what any father would do. #FREECAIN merchandise was created by the MMA community and among the chief contributors is UFC Middleweight contender Derek Brunson who donated all proceeds and profits to the Velasquez family.
Harry Goularte
Who is this man?
Who is this man, and why was he the target of such a serious crime? The reason is quite grave. Goularte's mother, Patricia, has been running a daycare since 1998. A particular young boy was a victim of multiple cases of sexual assault, spanning from 2021-2022, that young 4-year-old boy is Cain Velasquez's son, and the man who committed those atrocious acts is Harry Goularte. Velasquez's son told police that Goularte took him to the bathroom multiple times, removing his clothing and touching his genitals. He further revealed that he had seen Goularte do the same with other children and that the situation might have occurred up to 100 times before interference.
Goularte is facing a charge of lewd acts with a minor child. He and his business, his mother and her business, and his stepfather Paul Bender are facing multiple allegations relating to the sexual assault of a minor. While his mother's daycare has had 10 past violations, Goularte was released on bail and faces up to 8 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Court Hearings
The final chapter.
Since the arrest and subsequent charges, Velasquez has plead not guilty and appeared in court 3 times under judge Shelyna Brown. Brown called Velasquez's actions against the molester "reckless disregard for human life" and denied him bail 3 times. His most recent hearing took place earlier today, this time under a new judge, Arthur Bocanegra. Bocanegra granted Velasquez bail and for the first time in 8 months, the father will get to go home to his wife and children. The judge released a statement regarding his decision to allow bail:
“. . . Mr. Velasquez, I would not release you if I was not convinced that upon a release at this time, eight months later, that you would be a danger to Harry Goularte primarily, Patricia Goularte, or Paul Bender. If you are as devoted a husband and father, I’m confident and have to believe you will not jeopardize anything that would take you away from your son, your daughter, your family. I hope you don’t prove me wrong."
The MMA community has exploded in joy and happines for Velasquez and his family, and we the Verdict Community wish them only the best.
