A 16-year-old boy accused in the fatal shooting of Caleb Quick appeared in juvenile court Wednesday for a detention hearing, where his defense team argued for his release from custody.

The victim’s parents and the suspect’s parents were in attendance.

The attorney for the accused shooter denied the allegations against his client and argued the teen is eligible for release, claiming he is not a threat to society. The attorney said the victim had sexually assaulted others, recorded the assaults, and shared at least one video.

The lawyer claimed the shooting was related to those alleged assaults and was meant to prevent further incidents.

Prosecutors responded by calling the shooting a public “execution,” adding that the allegations against the victim were not relevant to whether the accused should remain in custody.

The judge ruled that releasing the teen would pose a threat to the community and ordered that he remain in custody. However, the court is allowing him to call his mother and may permit him to visit his 8-month-old twin sisters following probation screenings.

Charges Against the 16-Year-Old

The teen is charged with murder, with enhancements for personally and intentionally discharging a firearm causing death, and for committing the crime by lying in wait, according to authorities.

A prima facie hearing — where the defense has the opportunity to present evidence to support release from custody — was scheduled for Monday at 8:30 a.m., but has since been vacated. A settlement conference is scheduled for July 8 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 99B.

A female juvenile, alleged to have been the getaway driver, is scheduled to appear in court on June 18, with her prima facie hearing scheduled for June 23 in Department 99B.

At a May 14 hearing, Judge Amythest Freeman noted that the names of both juveniles are now considered public record. However, GV Wire has chosen not to publish them.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office said any decision on whether the teens will be tried as adults will be made at a later date. Unlike in adult court, each juvenile is tried separately and they cannot be charged as co-defendants, meaning the cases will proceed independently.

Prosecutors said the process of transferring the cases to adult court could take months to be scheduled.

Timeline of April 23 Murder

The Clovis Police Department described the April 23 homicide as targeted and planned.

Police responded to reports of gunfire near Willow and Nees avenues at 8:57 p.m. that night.

Officers found Quick with a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a hospital, where he died.

Investigators said the suspects arrived in a 2024 white Tesla Model 3 at a McDonald’s around 7:44 p.m. and left the lot at 8:12 p.m. Quick arrived at 8:22 p.m., followed by the male shooting suspect, who crossed the street toward the restaurant around 8:33 p.m.

The Tesla returned to the parking lot moments later and parked several rows away. Surveillance video showed the shooting suspect entering the McDonald’s at 8:38 p.m., sitting briefly and then following Quick outside.

Police said the shooting occurred at 8:56 p.m. as Quick approached his car. The shooting suspect fled west toward Fresno, and was picked up by the Tesla about a minute later. A handgun was recovered during a search warrant, Fleming said.

Surveillance footage confirmed the suspects left the scene before officers arrived.

Clovis police announced the arrests on May 9. At a news conference the following day, Chief Curt Fleming said both teens are students in the Clovis Unified School District and knew the victim.

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