A 16-year-old girl accused of being the getaway driver in the murder of Caleb Quick appeared in court Monday.

During a hearing last week, the defense had requested a prima facie hearing in an effort to have the girl released. However, her attorney waived that request Monday morning.

The defense also denied all counts against the teen.

The judge ordered that she remain in custody and directed the probation department to prepare a report ahead of a transfer hearing, where it will be determined whether she will be tried as an adult.

No evidence hearing has been scheduled at this time. A settlement hearing is set for July 15 at 8 a.m.

Male Teen’s Court Hearing on June 4

On June 4, the 16-year-old boy accused in the fatal shooting of Caleb Quick appeared in juvenile court for a detention hearing, during which his defense team argued for his release from custody.

Both the victim’s parents and the suspect’s parents were present in the courtroom.

The accused teen’s attorney denied the allegations and maintained his client was eligible for release, asserting he did not pose a threat to the public. The attorney further alleged that the victim had sexually assaulted others, recorded the incidents, and shared at least one of the videos.

According to the defense, the shooting was connected to those alleged assaults and was carried out to prevent further incidents.

Prosecutors countered by describing the killing as a public “execution” and argued that the accusations against the victim were irrelevant to the question of whether the teen should remain in custody.

The judge ultimately ruled that releasing the boy would endanger the community and ordered him to remain detained.

However, the court permitted him to call his mother and left open the possibility of visitation with his 8-month-old twin sisters, pending probation screenings.

Charges Filed

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

A settlement conference is now scheduled for July 8 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 99B.

During a May 14 hearing, Judge Amythest Freeman noted that both juveniles’ names are now considered public record. However, GV Wire has opted not to publish them.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office said a decision on whether either teen will be tried as an adult will come at a later time. In juvenile court, each minor must be tried separately and cannot be charged as co-defendants, meaning the cases will proceed independently.

Prosecutors noted that transferring the cases to adult court could take several 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.

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, Clovis Police Chief Curt 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, Fleming said both teens are students in the Clovis Unified School District and knew the victim.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.