Judge advances teen girl's transfer hearing in Caleb Quick murder case

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A transfer hearing will go forward for the teen girl accused of being the getaway driver in the murder of Caleb Quick.

A judge ruled there is "overwhelming circumstantial evidence" to see if she should be tried as an adult.

Following the decision, the girl's family quickly exited the courtroom, evading our cameras while Quick's family and friends celebrated the step.

"The prosecution detailed that not even 15 minutes, that we've all known that it's actually been a few days, they've been planning this, and she was part of the plan the whole time," says Stephen Quick, Caleb's Dad.

The defense gave a glimpse into a motive, claiming the girl was made aware of an alleged rape committed by Quick.

A friend of the male suspect told detectives that the alleged shooter admitted, "I did it to him," and that he needed to do it to "get justice."

I asked Caleb's dad directly about the allegations brought against his son.

"Motivation is not justification. These allegations, they just were allegations. They were inconclusive. There were no police reports against my son at all during this time," says Quick.

The defense admitted their client was indeed the getaway driver, adding, "We're not saying she's innocent."

But they maintain that there is no proof their client discussed a plan to kill Caleb with her boyfriend, who is believed to have pulled the trigger.

The judge quickly pushed back and provided a long list of evidence that supports the idea that the girl did play a key role in the murder, including:

The judge went on to note that:

That alleged murder weapon, described as a silver revolver, similar to those seen in old western movies.

The male suspect's brother testifying, two guns were left in their home by his late grandparents, the silver revolver a gift to the suspect from his grandfather.

We spoke with the girl's defense attorneys after the ruling, and they declined to comment but did tell me they are characterizing the judge's move as "low standard" and just a step to keep the process moving.

The transfer hearing will continue Thursday morning; two new witnesses are expected to testify.

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