Alleged Getaway Driver in Caleb Quick Killing Will Be Tried as a Minor

A Fresno County judge on Friday denied prosecutors’ request to try a 17-year-old girl accused of being the getaway driver in the killing of Caleb Quick as an adult, ruling that the prosecution failed to prove she could not be rehabilitated within the juvenile justice system.

The decision came after closing arguments in the final day of the transfer hearing, where prosecutors and defense attorneys presented sharply different interpretations of the teen’s background and role in the crime.

Prosecutors argued the case involved a “unique set of circumstances” and said the minor’s lack of prior criminal history supported trying her as an adult because she still allegedly participated in the killing despite what they described as a stable upbringing and constructive life.

“She was smart enough to not pull the trigger to kill Caleb,” the prosecutor said, arguing the teen demonstrated criminal sophistication and intent.

The prosecution also contended the teen remained a risk regardless of placement in the juvenile system and argued the adult system would better address the seriousness of the case.

Defense Counters

Defense attorneys countered that the issue before the court was not the severity of the killing itself, but whether the teen could be rehabilitated before age 25.

The defense pointed to testimony from expert witnesses who concluded the girl could be rehabilitated. Those witnesses emphasized her lack of criminal history, good grades, work as a teacher’s aide, and strong family support.

Attorneys for the defense also argued there was no evidence the girl intended for Quick to be killed, saying the alleged shooter — identified as her boyfriend — possessed the gun and had the intent.

The defense described the circumstances leading up to the killing as a “perfect storm,” citing allegations involving the victim and the teen’s emotional vulnerability. These included fears of abandonment after adoption and what the defense characterized as a controlling relationship with the alleged shooter.

Defense attorneys also challenged prosecutors’ claims of criminal sophistication, noting the teen openly discussed being upset with Quick, provided police access to her phone and password, sought therapy afterward and displayed emotional distress following the killing.

The Judge’s Ruling

In delivering her ruling, Fresno County Superior Court Judge Kimberly A. Gaab reviewed the legal standards governing juvenile transfer hearings under Proposition 57 and subsequent state law changes that raised the burden of proof required to move a minor into adult court.

Gaab said the court was required to evaluate five factors, including criminal sophistication, rehabilitation potential, prior criminal history, previous success in rehabilitation programs, and the gravity of the offense.

The judge found prosecutors met the burden on criminal sophistication and the gravity of the crime, citing evidence that the teen communicated with the alleged shooter, knew of his violent background, helped create an alibi, attempted to dispose of the getaway vehicle, and understood enough about the situation to anticipate a change of clothes after the crime.

Gaab described the killing as an “extreme” and violent act that caused immense harm.

However, the judge ruled prosecutors failed to prove the teen could not be rehabilitated, noting both expert witnesses testified she had a high likelihood of rehabilitation.

Gaab also cited the teen’s lack of prior criminal history, enrollment in college, straight-A academic record, and participation in therapy as evidence supporting rehabilitation within the juvenile system.

Since two of the three major elements were not met by the District Attorney’s Office, the alleged getaway driver won’t be tried as an adult.

The teen will remain in juvenile custody without bail and is scheduled to return to juvenile court June 5 for a settlement conference.

Prosecutors have 20 days to appeal the transfer ruling.

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