Cain Velasquez Shooting Case: Former UFC Champion Released on Parole as Related Court Proceedings Continue

Cain Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison after the 2022 shooting involving Harry Goularte. Released on parole in February 2026, he still faces related legal proceedings.

The legal case involving former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has moved beyond the criminal prosecution that followed the February 2022 shooting in California. Velasquez pleaded no contest to attempted murder and related felony charges, received a five-year prison sentence in March 2025, and was released on parole on February 15, 2026.

Although his criminal prosecution has reached the sentencing stage, related legal disputes involving restitution and separate proceedings against Harry Goularte remain important developments.

What Happened in the Cain Velasquez Shooting?

The incident occurred on February 28, 2022, in Santa Clara County, California. Prosecutors said Velasquez pursued a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte and members of his family during an approximately 11-mile chase.

Velasquez fired multiple shots at the vehicle. Goularte was not struck, but his stepfather, Paul Bender, suffered gunshot injuries.

The confrontation followed allegations that Goularte had sexually abused Velasquez’s then-four-year-old son at a daycare. Goularte faced a separate criminal case over those allegations and pleaded not guilty.

Cain Velasquez’s Plea and Five-Year Prison Sentence

In August 2024, Velasquez entered a no-contest plea to attempted murder and multiple other felony charges, including firearm-related offences.

On March 24, 2025, a Santa Clara County judge sentenced him to five years in prison. The sentence included credit for 1,283 days already served through his earlier custody and supervised release arrangements.

Prosecutors had sought a substantially longer sentence, while the defence requested a more lenient outcome. During sentencing, Velasquez acknowledged that his actions were reckless and dangerous and expressed regret.

February 2026: Velasquez Released on Parole

On February 15, 2026, Velasquez was released from California prison after receiving credit for time served and qualifying sentence reductions. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed his release, which occurred after approximately 11 months in state prison.

His release did not mean that every legal matter connected to the incident had concluded. He remained subject to parole supervision and other court-imposed restrictions.

Related Court Proceedings and Restitution Disputes

A restitution hearing held in March 2026 addressed disagreements over the amount Velasquez should pay. Lawyers disputed claims involving physical damage, property losses and lost income connected to the closure of the Goularte family’s daycare.

The judge did not issue a final ruling at that hearing. Further submissions were scheduled, with the court expected to consider the disputed amounts. The available reporting reviewed does not establish a final restitution decision by November 5, 2026.

Separately, a civil lawsuit involving Velasquez’s family and members of the Goularte family has been reported as scheduled for a jury trial on November 9, 2026. This is a separate civil proceeding, not a new criminal trial for Velasquez’s shooting conviction.

What Is the Current Status of the Case?

As of November 5, 2026, the key distinctions are:

• Velasquez’s criminal prosecution: He has pleaded no contest and been sentenced.

• Prison status: He was released on parole in February 2026.

• Restitution: Disagreements over financial compensation were reported, but a final determination was not verified.

• Related civil litigation: A November 9, 2026 jury-trial date has been reported.

• Goularte’s criminal case: Separate proceedings concerning the allegations against him have continued, but the latest final outcome was not established in the sources reviewed.

Disclaimer

The supplied article describes ongoing judicial review as though Cain Velasquez’s own attempted-murder prosecution were still awaiting trial. That is misleading: his no-contest plea and March 2025 sentencing are established. The remaining proceedings should be described separately, particularly the restitution dispute, civil litigation and Goularte’s criminal case. Allegations against Goularte must not be presented as proven facts.