Cain Velasquez, a former UFC heavyweight champion, has pleaded no contest to charges of attempted murder and assault in California.

This plea agreement results in the dismissal of premeditated murder charges against Velasquez related to a 2022 incident involving a high-speed chase and shooting, as the Daily Mail reports.

On Friday, Velasquez entered his no contest plea before Judge Arthur Bocanegra at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California. The plea deal enables Velasquez to avoid a life sentence with the possibility of parole.

Incident Details from February 2022

The former UFC star was arrested on Feb. 28, 2022, following a dangerous high-speed chase. Velasquez was pursuing pickup truck driver Paul Bender, who had passengers Harry Goularte and Patricia Goularte, after allegations that Harry Goularte had molested Velasquez's four-year-old son.

During the chase, Velasquez allegedly used a .40-caliber pistol to fire multiple shots at the vehicle, injuring Paul Bender but missing his intended target, Harry Goularte.

Charges Dropped But Sentence Still Pending

The attempted murder trial, originally set to begin on September 9, will no longer take place. Despite the dismissal of premeditated murder charges, Velasquez still faces sentencing for attempted murder and assault. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 18, with the actual sentencing anticipated at a later date.

The county probation department will take into account not just the severity of Velasquez's actions but also his lack of criminal history. Additionally, the ongoing sexual abuse case against Harry Goularte will be a factor in determining Velasquez's fate.

Context of the Allegations Against Goularte

Harry Goularte faces charges of molesting Velasquez’s son at Patty's Childcare in San Martin, California. The child reported multiple instances of molestation, alleging it might have occurred "100 times." Goularte is accused of a lewd and lascivious act on Velasquez's son and another young child.

District Attorney Jeff Rosen provided pointed remarks concerning Velasquez's vigilante-style actions. According to Rosen, Velasquez "decided to become judge, jury, and executioner," posing a grave risk to innocent bystanders, "including young children and their parents who could have been injured or killed." Rosen emphasized the efficiency of local law enforcement, urging the public to "let them do their jobs," rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Background Leading to the Arrest

The high-speed chase spanned several miles before concluding with Velasquez’s arrest without any further incident. Despite the immediate dangers posed during the chase, no other injuries were reported aside from those to Paul Bender.

Velasquez was released from jail in November 2022 on a $1 million bail after spending approximately nine months in custody.

Goularte's Continued Legal Struggle

Harry Goularte maintains his not-guilty plea concerning the charges of child molestation.

These legal proceedings are separate from Velasquez’s case, yet profoundly interconnected due to the circumstances that led to the February 2022 incident.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Legal experts assert that Velasquez’s decision to plead no contest might be strategically aimed at securing a more favorable outcome during sentencing.

This plea helps him avoid the uncertainties and potential severity of a trial verdict for premeditated murder.

Public Reaction

Public sentiment appears divided; some empathize with Velasquez's fatherly instincts, while others express concern over his choice to resort to violence.

The incident raises broader discussions about the criminal justice system and its handling of child abuse cases.

Conclusion

In summary, former UFC champion Cain Velasquez pleaded no contest to attempted murder in California, leading to the dismissal of premeditated murder charges.

The plea ensures his trial for attempted murder will not proceed. Sentencing is set for October, with factors including the severity of the incident, Velasquez's criminal history, and ongoing molestation charges against Goularte to be considered.

This high-profile case melds issues of vigilantism, legal justice, and public safety into a singular narrative of tragedy and consequence.