FRESNO, CA. (KFSN) — The teenage girl who is the accused getaway driver in the death of Caleb Quick will not be tried as an adult.
The girl will remain housed at the juvenile justice center without bail.
The ruling was handed down in a Fresno County courtroom on Friday.
Action News was in the courtroom when the ruling was read saw the girl’s father visibly shaking at times.
Supporters of Quick screamed “yes!” at one point while the ruling was read, but the judge quickly shut it down, saying it was not the end of the analysis.
Quick’s father, Stephen, was slumped forward, holding his face in the courtroom.
There was complete silence once the judge finished reading her ruling, with no reactions.
With Friday’s ruling, the teen will now face a much shorter sentence with the chance for rehabilitation in the juvenile justice system if she is convicted at trial.
Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp released a statement on the ruling, saying, “Chief DDA Kendall Reynolds put forth a valiant effort to show the court the evidence that supports the fact that it is the District Attorney’s position that the minor should be tried as an adult for her part in the murder of Caleb Quick. However, the law puts up difficult hurdles and the ultimate decision lies with the judge. We will continue to fight for justice for Caleb despite this ruling.”
The defense team gave a glimpse into a potential motive, claiming the girl was made aware of an alleged rape committed by Quick.
Surveillance footage appears to show the girl inside the McDonald’s minutes before the deadly shooting.
She is accused of driving the white Tesla that was used to remove the alleged shooter, her boyfriend, from the scene.
Days later, the Tesla was seized during a search warrant at a home about a mile away from the deadly shooting. The girl was initially briefly detained and then released.
The defense argued that the girl was “inconsolable” after the shooting, having to be driven home by the male suspect’s brother.
The alleged shooter is on track for a similar transfer hearing later this year.
