Cain Velasquez opens up about shooting ahead of sentencing: 'We cannot put the law in our own hands'
Cain Velasquez will accept whatever fate comes his way Monday in California court room.
Three years after his arrest on attempted murder and other charges, Velasquez is set for sentencing in Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose. While he's remained largely quiet on the specifics of the 2022 shooting and the circumstances surrounding it, Velasquez recently spoke openly to former teammate Kyle Kingsbury on Kyle Kingsbury Podcast.
"From what I can say as far as myself, the way that I handled things was not the way to do it," Velasquez said. "We cannot put the law in our own hands. … I’ve already pled guilty [no contest], so I’m going to get a sentencing (Monday). I know what I did, and I know what I did was very dangerous to other people, you know? Not just people involved, but to innocent people. I understand what I did and I’m willing to do everything I have to (in order) to pay that back. Whatever the court feels correct for what I have to do, I’m going to do it with my head up and still be me and not play the blame game. It was me that did that and reacted in that way."
Velasquez was arrested in February 2022 after he pursued a vehicle carrying a man, Harry Goularte, accused of molesting Velasquez's then 4-year-old son, and fired a handgun at it several times in a high-speed daytime chase. Velasquez struck Goularte's stepfather, Paul Bender, resulting in an arm injury.
"What I did was not correct," Velasquez said. "I understand that. I paid and I’ll pay whatever else as far as what I have to do to pay all that back. I don’t think I can pay it back, but I can always learn from my mistakes and help others. It’s just information that you never know anybody. Trust your kids. Have that open communication with your kids. When you do go to the bathroom with them when (they're) very young, you can work your way in there as far as talking to them about what’s appropriate and what is not, so they know to tell you and they can always tell you whenever something is not correct. So as far as that goes, it’s basically that the more we get consciously aware of ourselves, the more that light shines on dark things, especially things like that."
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As for Goularte's family, Velasquez said he holds no ill will and has forgiven them. Goularte's mother, Patricia Goularte, ran the daycare where the alleged molestation occurred.
"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," Velasquez said. "I’ve got to share this with everybody, so I can’t give hate to them at all. I wish them healing in the best way, whatever that is. I wish that for them. I understand that they have traumas, as well. It’s not right to spread it – no. I’m glad they themselves have stopped because they can’t practice any more as far as daycare. With my own time, I’ve forgiven them and everything else and I know my kids are great."
Velasquez initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. In August, the plea was changed to a no contest, which indicates the prosecution and defense have likely reached an agreement. That agreement could be revealed Monday in San Jose, barring any continuances.
Regardless of what punishments he may face, Velasquez said he has a new, enlightened mindset of what is most important to him in life – and that's what he's hanging onto.
"Everything is divinely orchestrated and my kids are amazing," Velasquez said. "My son is amazing. He’s one of the strongest, funniest kids that I know. He’s my best friend. I’m proud of him for who he is. This will not define him. He’s meant for greater and my daughter as well. They were both made for great things and I’m just like … I’m so blessed to live this life with you. You help me, I help you. It’s not like I’m teaching you; you’re teaching me, as well. I’m just f*cking loving that I get to be with you at this moment. This is sacred, the most sacred, to be with another version of yourself. Just to relive your own childhood and do better. … I love that I get to see the excitement that I had as a child, now I get to see it through their eyes. I just sit and observe, like, ‘Yeah, that’s what it is.’ So … yes."
Goularte is set for trial June 2 and faces one felony charge of lewd acts with a minor. Goularte has pleaded not guilty.
Photos: Cain Velasquez through the years
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Cain Velasquez opens up about shooting ahead of sentencing: 'We cannot put the law in our own hands'
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