Cain Velasquez receives five years in prison for vigilante shooting

In the United States, former UFC champion Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison on March 24, 2025, for his involvement in a shooting incident that occurred in February 2022. Velasquez had chased a vehicle that was carrying Harry Goularte, a man accused of molesting his then four-year-old son. The chase spanned approximately 11 miles through the San Jose area, ending with Velasquez firing multiple shots at the truck, which resulted in injury to Goularte's stepfather while Goularte himself was unscathed. Velasquez's actions reflected a desperate attempt to address the alleged crime against his child, illustrating the emotional turmoil surrounding parental instinct and vigilante justice. Velasquez pleaded no contest to charges of attempted murder, felony assault, and related gun charges last year. As part of a plea deal, premeditated murder charges were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea. The prosecution characterized the incident as a 'vigilante shooting spree,' highlighting the dangers of taking the law into one's own hands. During the court hearing, various family members delivered impact statements, evoking a visceral understanding of the repercussions of Velasquez's actions both for his family and for Goularte's family. While Velasquez showed remorse, agreeing to accept whatever sentence was handed down by the judge, the emotional weight of the situation was palpable in the courtroom. Sentencing occurred following extensive courtroom discussions, reflecting the complexities of the case and the societal implications of vigilantism. Velasquez's defense emphasized his character as a devoted father who had endured a harrowing situation. Nonetheless, the District Attorney declared that justice should not involve personal vendettas that endanger the lives of others. As part of the sentence, Velasquez will now have no right to possess firearms again. The emotional testimonies revealed how this incident had affected multiple lives and questioned the motivations behind taking extreme measures in the face of alleged criminality. This case has triggered widespread discussion regarding justice, parental instincts, and the boundaries of personal retribution. The discourse centers around whether such actions can be morally justified when driven by the desire to protect one's child. The sentencing of Velasquez serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of vigilante justice and its potential harm to both individuals involved and the broader community. Consequently, as Velasquez begins his sentence, the case continues to resonate within the public consciousness, leaving behind questions about justice, victim rights, and parental responsibilities.