SAN JOSE, Calif. — More than two years after allegedly shooting at a man charged with molesting his then 4-year-old son, former UFC champion and Arizona State University wrestler Cain Velasquez pleaded no contest, taking a plea deal aimed at leniency in his sentence.
Velasquez made the plea in a San Jose, California, courtroom on Friday, according to The Mercury News.
Velasquez's trial for attempted murder and nine gun assault charges was set to begin on Sept. 9. He faced a possible sentence of life in prison if convicted.
Now, the possible sentence of life in prison has been taken off the table, according to The Mercury News, as premeditation allegations have been dropped by the Santa Clara County, California, District Attorney's Office.
Velasquez was facing the charges in connection with a shooting that happened on Feb. 28, 2022, when prosecutors say he chased down a truck containing Harry Goularte Jr. and opened fire multiple times, wounding Goularte's stepfather, Paul Bender, who was driving the truck.
The shooting happened three days after Goularte appeared in court and was granted monitored release after being charged with molesting Velasquez's son at a daycare, which was at the Benders' home.
Prosecutors said Goularte was in the car with his stepfather and mother, Patty Bender, and they were headed from Morgan Hill, California, to San Jose so Goularte could be fitted with an ankle monitor.
Velasquez allegedly first shot at Goularte after he got into the truck in Morgan Hill.
He then allegedly chased the family at high speeds for 11 miles, with the chase coming to an end in south San Jose, which is when prosecutors say Velasquez rammed the truck and fired several more shots from a .40-caliber pistol and wounded Paul Bender.
Velasquez surrendered to police soon after.
Velasquez was released from prison on monitored release after serving nine months in November 2022 after a judge granted him a $1 million bail.
A sentencing hearing has been sent for Oct. 18, but is not expected to be sentenced until late 2024.
Velasquez wrestled at ASU from 2003-05, going 50-10 and being named an All-American. He became a mixed martial arts fighter and joined the UFC in 2006. He had a record of 14-3 and won the heavyweight championship four times. Velasquez has not fought in the UFC since February 2019.
Goularte faces a felony charge for a lewd and lascivious act with a child. His trial is still in pretrial proceedings, according to The Mercury News.
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