Relief For Cain Velasquez

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight titleholder Cain Velasquez has been released from a California prison on parole after serving time linked to a 2022 shooting incident involving a man accused of abusing his young son, according to multiple reports.

Velasquez, 43, regained his freedom on February 15, 2026, under parole supervision after serving roughly eleven months at a state correctional facility.

His release concludes the first phase of his sentence in connection with a widely publicized case that unfolded nearly four years earlier.

The 2022 Incident and Legal Charges

The events that ultimately led to Velasquez’s incarceration began in February 2022, when law enforcement officials say he pursued and fired shots at a vehicle occupied by a man he believed had sexually abused his four-year-old child.

Authorities identified the accused individual as Harry Goularte Jr., who had been arrested earlier on child molestation charges but was later released under supervision.

During the high-speed pursuit through several California cities, Velasquez allegedly fired multiple rounds at the truck carrying Goularte, his stepfather, and his mother.

Although Goularte was not struck, his 63-year-old stepfather suffered non-life-threatening injuries from gunfire, according to court filings.

Authorities say the chase, which traveled more than 10 miles, ended when the truck was stopped, and Velasquez was taken into custody by police.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

After his arrest, Velasquez faced multiple serious charges, including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and assault with a deadly weapon in relation to the shooting.

Prosecutors described his conduct as reckless and dangerous, noting the multiple shots fired near schools, residential areas, and public streets that day.

Velasquez initially pleaded “no contest” to these charges, which effectively acknowledged the criminal behavior without admitting guilt in the traditional legal sense.

This plea paved the way for a negotiated sentence and helped avoid a protracted trial.

In March 2025, at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, Velasquez was sentenced to five years in state prison for his role in the shooting.

That sentence included time already served in jail and under house arrest after his arrest in 2022.

Time Served and Parole Eligibility

Due to credit for time already spent in custody, Velasquez became eligible for parole well before the formal conclusion of a five-year term.

Incarcerated individuals in California can accumulate credits for good behavior and participation in various programs while serving their sentence, which subsequently shortens the period they must remain behind bars.

Thanks to these credits and parole board decisions, he was granted supervised release on February 15, 2026.

Upon being transferred to parole status, Velasquez was reunited with his family, marking an emotional moment following the difficult years since the incident.

Broader Reactions and Community Impact

The case sparked intense reactions across the country. Many observers debated the actions taken by Velasquez, particularly a prominent figure in combat sports, and whether personal retaliation could ever be justified under such circumstances.

Critics, including the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, highlighted the danger his conduct posed to bystanders and the potential for serious harm, especially around children and schools.

Supporters of the former fighter argued that his behavior, though wrong, stemmed from a parent’s distress over the alleged abuse of his child.

Velasquez’s defense team and some public figures from the MMA community emphasized his reputation as a devoted father and highlighted his contributions to sports and coaching.

The Ongoing Case Against the Accused

While Velasquez’s legal matters have reached a new stage with his release on parole, the legal proceedings involving Goularte, the man he targeted, are still active.

Goularte has pleaded not guilty to child sexual abuse charges and continues to remain free under court supervision pending trial.

It should be noted that the criminal case against Goularte centers on accusations of having molested the young child at a daycare run by his family, but he has not been convicted, and the matter is awaiting further court hearings.

Velasquez’s Next Steps

With his parole now in effect, Velasquez is expected to focus on rebuilding his life and spending time with his loved ones after a tumultuous period.

While it remains unclear whether he will pursue any future involvement in professional combat sports, his legal journey and the high-profile nature of the case continue to draw public and media attention.