Cain Velasquez Attempted Murder Charge: Court Says Ex-UFC Fighter Shot at Man Suspected of Molesting His Relative; Pleas to Free Former Athlete Surface
New court documents on Wednesday shed light on former UFC star Cain Velasquez's attempted murder charge after he engaged in a shooting incident in San Jose, California on Monday.
According to ABC 7, the court document revealed that Velasquez's target in the shooting was a man who was accused of molesting the retired athlete's four-year-old relative.
Velasquez's target on the shooting on Monday was a man named Harry Goularte. Fox News noted that Goularte was recently charged with one count of a felony over a lewd and lascivious act on child on February 25.
However, the report mentioned that Goularte was released under the conditions that he would stay under house arrest in Morgan Hill, wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, and stay 100 yards away from any child under 14 years old, per ABC 7.
Reports mentioned that Goularte and Velasquez's connection was from the daycare where the former UFC star's relative is attending. The said daycare, which is owned by Goularte's mother, is reportedly not operating at the moment.
EX-UFC Star Cain Velasquez Shot Target's Dad
Authorities shared that Goularte was on his way to pick up his electronic monitoring bracelet from the authorities when the shooting took place. Velasquez and Goularte reportedly engaged in an 11-mile-high speed chase.
Police shared that Velasquez allegedly shot one man in Goularte's car, per Fox News.
ABC 7 identified the victim as Goularte's 63-year-old stepfather. The elderly were taken to the local hospital with injuries, but he was expected to survive.
Authorities also revealed that Goularte's mother was also inside the vehicle when the shooting occurred.
"[Velasquez's] actions on February 28 were very reckless... It's unfortunate that he took the case into his own hands rather than waiting on the criminal justice system," Prosecutor Aaron French said.
Meanwhile, Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen told KTVU that the former UFC star endangered everyone in the vehicle and the public.
"This act of violence also causes more pain and suffering to his family," Rosen added.
The police report noted that Morgan Hill police recovered a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun in Cain Velasquez's vehicle with nine bullets in a 10-round magazine.
Supporters Ask to Free Ex-UFC Star Cain Velasquez
In the light of the shooting incident, Velasquez made his first court appearance on Wednesday. CBS Sports reported that the former UFC star is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder.
The supporters of the former athlete filled the courtroom on Wednesday, as they wore shirts with the statement: "Free Cain."
Velasquez's training teammate, David Dzasokhov, described the former UFC fighter as a "good person."
"We just know that he would never have done such a thing if the person didn't really cross the line. Like really cross the line," Dzasokhov added.
FREE Cain Velasquez đź’Ż
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) March 2, 2022
MMA fighter Derek Brunson took to Twitter to ask for Velasquez's freedom.
When the justice systems fails to handle a pedophile and father has to take justice into his own hands he shouldn’t be charged - he should be celebrated —all fathers should be standing behind Cain Velasquez right now. PERIOD.
— Jelly Roll (@JellyRoll615) March 2, 2022
One user from Twitter also said that the former MMA fighter "should be celebrated."
Cain Velasquez chased Goularte for 11 miles where he eventually rammed him and opened fire on the car
— Weasle (@ThaWeasle) March 2, 2022
That's some serious anger #ufc
Meanwhile, another user said that Cain Velasquez had some "serious anger" following the shooting.
Reports noted that Cain Velasquez will continue to be held without bail due to the severity of the charges. Furthermore, the judge approved three restraining orders to the three people whom the ex-UFC star chased.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written By: Joshua Summers
WATCH: Cain Velasquez, Accused of Attempted Murder, Appears in Court - From NBC Bay Area
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