Former UFC Champion Cain Velasquez Released from Prison After Shooting Son's Alleged Abuser

Velasquez reunites with family after serving less than a year of a five-year sentence for attempted murder

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released from prison on parole after serving less than a year of a five-year sentence for attempting to shoot a man accused of molesting his young son. Velasquez was credited with 1,283 days served, including time in county jail and on house arrest, before being sentenced in 2025. An emotional video shows Velasquez reuniting with his children after being released.

Why it matters

The case sparked a national conversation about a parent's right to protect their child from alleged abuse, as well as the complexities of the criminal justice system and bail reform. Velasquez's actions, while extreme, highlighted the trauma and desperation felt by parents in similar situations.

The details

In February 2022, Velasquez chased and shot at the vehicle of Harry Goularte, a daycare worker accused of sexually abusing Velasquez's 4-year-old son. During the 11-mile chase, Goularte's 63-year-old father, who was in the vehicle, was shot and injured. Velasquez pleaded no contest to felony attempted murder, assault and weapons charges before being sentenced in March 2025 to five years in prison. He has since expressed remorse for his actions, saying they were 'very dangerous' to those involved.

  • In February 2022, Velasquez chased and shot at the vehicle of Harry Goularte.
  • In November 2022, Velasquez was placed on house arrest.
  • In March 2025, Velasquez was sentenced to five years in prison.
  • On Sunday, Velasquez was released from prison on parole after serving less than a year of his sentence.

The players

Cain Velasquez

A former UFC heavyweight champion who was sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to shoot a man accused of molesting his young son.

Harry Goularte

A daycare worker accused of sexually abusing Velasquez's 4-year-old son, who Velasquez chased and shot at in February 2022.

Goularte's 63-year-old father

The father of Harry Goularte, who was shot and injured during the chase between Velasquez and his son's alleged abuser.

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What they’re saying

“I understand what I did and I'm willing to do everything I have to pay that back.”

— Cain Velasquez, Former UFC Fighter (Kyle Kingsbury Podcast)

“Even with that family and what they've done, I can't have hate like that for them. Because there are things that I have to move on to and give love to my kids and give love to the people around.”

— Cain Velasquez, Former UFC Fighter (Kyle Kingsbury Podcast)

What’s next

Goularte still faces a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor and has pleaded not guilty. Velasquez has also filed a related civil lawsuit against Goularte.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex emotions and difficult decisions parents face when trying to protect their children from alleged abuse, as well as the need for reform within the criminal justice system to better address such sensitive situations.