Transfer Hearing for Alleged Getaway Driver in Caleb Quick Case Extended to Mid-May

A transfer hearing for the alleged getaway driver in the killing of Caleb Quick stretched into a fourth day Friday, with proceedings expected to continue into mid-May.

Court began at 1:30 p.m. Friday, where prosecutors and defense attorneys continued debating whether the minor should remain in the juvenile system or be transferred to adult court. Oral arguments are now scheduled for May 15, after additional briefing due May 1. The hearing had initially been expected to last about 2½ days.

Prosecutors are attempting to show that probation programs would not rehabilitate the accused if kept in juvenile jurisdiction, while the defense argues the minor is making progress while being held.

Witness from Probation

Kayatana Davis, an assistant deputy chief at Fresno County’s Juvenile Justice Campus with nearly 29 years of experience, testified for the prosecution. Davis oversees daily operations for juveniles in Secure Youth Treatment Facilities, or SYTF, and described programs including “Free Your Mind,” “Thinking for a Change” and aggression replacement therapy, among others.

She said that some programs are evidence-based and require participation, with a point system that affects privileges. Juveniles who commit major violations can lose privileges or be removed from programs. Those over 18 who commit serious violations, such as assault, could be transferred to adult court and be out of the program. In juvenile detention, detainees can be held until they are 25 depending on their crimes.

Davis testified that juveniles must engage in programming to earn certificates and return to court every six months, where their progress can impact sentencing.

Under cross-examination, the defense emphasized rehabilitation efforts, noting the minor has completed anger replacement training and participated in educational and life-skills programs, including financial literacy and creative writing through the Prison Education Project. Davis confirmed the minor is enrolled in college courses and specialized programming.

Defense Highlighted the Positives of the Program

The defense also highlighted new and expanding services, including a transitional living program launched in February and a contract with Valley Teen Ranch signed in March. Davis said SYTF, which began in 2021, is still growing.

She also testified the minor currently lives in a housing unit with seven other females and participates in daily programming. Davis said the minor has been completing programs and responding to staff, adding there have been no major issues in the housing unit since she resumed oversight last week.

Prosecutors questioned the effectiveness of programs, focusing on staffing, educational outcomes, and reoffense rates. Davis said data on recidivism was not presented in court.

The defense argued the juvenile system provides structured rehabilitation, including family visitation, and gender-specific programming such as “Girl Circle.”

Following testimony, the judge said prosecutors will submit additional documentary evidence before concluding their case Tuesday morning. Proceedings are set to resume at 9 a.m. Tuesday for remaining evidence.

Timeline of Murder

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

The Clovis Police Department described the April 23 homicide 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 a 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.

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