Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been released from custody, marking the end of a challenging period during which he was incarcerated for approximately 10 months. Velasquez secured his release on parole on Sunday, February 15.
The prominent athlete had previously received a five-year sentence after entering a no-contest plea to multiple charges, including attempted murder. He was credited with 1,283 days already served, which contributed to his eligibility for parole.
These charges originated from a 2022 incident involving Velasquez and Harry Goularte. Goularte, who operated a daycare attended by Velasquez’s then four-year-old son, had been arrested days prior on allegations of child molestation. During the incident, Velasquez engaged in a high-speed pursuit of Goularte and fired a weapon at a vehicle occupied by Goularte and his family, inadvertently striking Goularte’s stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm.
Following his release, Velasquez issued his first public statement, expressing profound gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his ordeal. He shared, “Blessed to be out, thank you to all for the love and support; you all have lifted me up so high. Grateful for all the understanding thus far and I look forward to a road of service.”
In a subsequent video message, Velasquez further elaborated on his feelings: “Hi everyone. Now that it’s been a couple of weeks since my release, I’ve had some time to kind of get back into things, get back into a normal way of life, get used to just doing the normal things. Being home with the family, being there for my kids.”
He continued, “I just wanted to thank everybody for their love and support. Your words of inspiration, of encouragement constantly lifted me up, myself and my family. So, I just wanted to take this time here to thank everybody for the constant support. You have no idea what your words and your encouragement and your love has meant to me and my family. Again, just thank you. Thank you. Thank everyone. And it’s good to be out.”
