Thursday marks the one year since the fatal shooting of Caleb Quick, as family members and supporters gathered at the McDonald’s at Willow and Nees avenues, the site of the killing, for a worship service and remembrance event honoring his life.

Nearly 100 people attended the evening vigil, which brought together relatives, friends, and community members as the case remains the subject of ongoing court proceedings involving two teenage defendants.

The event featured live worship music, and several of Quick’s friends and family members shared memories of him, reflecting on their friendships and the impact of his death.

“I just wished he was here. He loved everyone here…keep praying for him and everyone else here,” a friend said.

Quick’s father, Stephen Quick, opened the event, speaking about the relationships he has built across the Central Valley since his son’s death. Other parents who have lost children in similar circumstances also attended in support. Stephen has also been active in efforts to appeal Proposition 57.

Proposition 57, known as the Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act, was passed in 2016 and removed the discretion of district attorneys to decide whether juveniles should be tried as adults, placing that decision in the hands of judges.

During the gathering, a woman who identified herself as a relative of Caleb became disruptive, shouting profanities before being escorted out by family and friends.

As she left with her husband, she made an obscene gesture toward the crowd. An attendee said Clovis police were contacted.

Stephen: ‘He Is in a Much Better Place Than We Are Now’

Closing the vigil, Stephen said his son is no longer burdened by the hardships of life.

“He is in a much better place than we are now,” Stephen said. “He is not constrained by time, sorrow, or pain.”

During his remarks, Stephen read a passage from Psalms 138:8, which he said he taught his children when they were younger, adding, “Everyone has a purpose here in this life.”

He also reflected on the memory of his son and the possibility of seeing him again.

“That dimple, and that smile, and a little bit of a joke,” Stephen said when speaking about seeing Caleb again in heaven.

Where We Are in the Case

The case involving the 17-year-old girl accused of acting as the getaway driver is nearing the end of a transfer hearing in adult court in downtown Fresno. Over more than a week of proceedings, prosecutors have called expert witnesses and presented testimony aimed at showing the severity of the crime and arguing that the case should be moved out of juvenile court and into adult jurisdiction.

Prosecutors have also argued that the juvenile justice system may not be equipped to rehabilitate the defendant, citing the nature of the allegations.

Defense attorneys countered that the teen has shown progress since the arrest, including improved academic performance and compliance with authority figures. A defense expert also testified that the case could remain within juvenile jurisdiction, arguing for continued rehabilitation rather than adult prosecution. The defense has also suggested the primary responsibility lies with the alleged shooter, a 17-year-old boy.

Closing oral arguments in the girl’s transfer hearing are scheduled for May 15.

The case involving the 17-year-old boy accused of carrying out the shooting has not yet reached a transfer hearing and is expected to return to juvenile court in June.

Due to the suspects being juveniles, their cases remain separate.

Timeline of Murder

Quick, 18, was shot to death on April 23, 2025, outside of the McDonald’s restaurant in Clovis.

The Clovis Police Department described the April 23 fatal shooting of Quick 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 the McDonald’s restaurant 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 headed 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 as Quick approached his car. The shooting suspect fled west toward Fresno and climbed into the Tesla about a minute later. A handgun was recovered during a search warrant, Clovis Police Chief Curt Fleming said.

Surveillance footage showed the suspects leaving the scene before officers arrived.

—

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