Pretrial motions took center stage Thursday in Fresno County Superior Court as attorneys prepared for the trial of the woman accused of serving as the getaway driver in the killing of Caleb Quick.

Security was tightened at the downtown courthouse for the hearing before Judge Brian Alvarez.

The court initially considered pretrial matters ahead of a trial that had been scheduled to begin Friday morning. However, after discussions over discovery issues, Alvarez postponed the start of the trial until Monday.

Valley Crime Stoppers Objects to Media in Court

One of the primary disputes centered on an alleged tip submitted through Valley Crime Stoppers. A representative for Valley Crime Stoppers, who was seated with the attorneys, asked that the media be removed from the courtroom for the case. The judge denied the request, ruling that the public and the media could remain.

The representative argued that revealing information related to the tip could undermine the anonymity Valley Crime Stoppers relies on, saying the organization would suffer if tipsters lost confidence that their identities would remain confidential.

Prosecutors responded that Valley Crime Stoppers did not possess discoverable information to provide. The holder of the tip, however, is law enforcement, not Valley Crime Stoppers.

The defense argued that a particular witness was said to have tipped Valley Crime Stoppers.

Defense attorneys also said that they had tips from Clovis Police’s tip line but had received nothing from the crime stoppers group.

After reviewing legal authority submitted by the defense, Alvarez granted a motion to quash, ruling that the disputed tip would not be used in the case.

Testimony From Alleged Sexual Assault Victim

Attorneys also debated how extensively a witness could be questioned about an alleged sexual assault involving a friend of the accused and Quick. Prosecutors argued the only relevant issue was the accused’s understanding of the allegation as a possible motive and sought to limit questioning beyond that, saying whether the assault actually occurred was outside the scope of the homicide case because it was not a self-defense claim.

The defense argued the allegation was central to establishing motive, saying text messages between the alleged getaway driver and the suspected shooter were exchanged while the getaway driver was communicating with the alleged victim. Defense attorneys also alleged there were other sexual assault victims and argued prosecutors were improperly attempting to limit the defense’s questioning of a witness.

Judge Alvarez did not immediately rule on the prosecution’s request, instead directing attorneys to make timely objections during testimony so the court could address specific questions as they arise.

The judge also ruled that witnesses may not remain in the courtroom while other witnesses are testifying.

Trial is set to begin on Monday.

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