Psychologists Testify in Transfer Hearing for Teen Girl Accused in Caleb Quick's Death

Experts debate whether the teen should be tried as an adult or in the juvenile justice system.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:13am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single car key lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into the alleged getaway vehicle.As the legal battle over trying a teen as an adult for a high-profile crime continues, the investigation into the alleged getaway vehicle takes center stage.Fresno Today

Psychologists testified in a transfer hearing for a teenage girl accused of being the getaway driver in the death of Caleb Quick. Prosecutors want the girl tried as an adult, but defense experts argued she is better suited for the juvenile justice system. The case has sparked controversy, with the mother of the alleged shooter claiming the victim was an 'alleged rapist', though those allegations have not been proven.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical questions around trying minors as adults, especially in high-profile cases involving allegations of serious crimes. The testimony of psychologists is crucial in determining whether the juvenile or adult justice system is more appropriate.

The details

Prosecutors are arguing the teen girl should be tried as an adult for her alleged role as the getaway driver in Caleb Quick's death. Psychologist Dr. Blake Carmichael testified that while the girl met four out of five criteria for the juvenile system, the gravity of the crime made him believe adult court was more appropriate. However, he noted he never actually interviewed the girl and a full evaluation could have changed his conclusions. The defense psychologist, Dr. Lisa Kalich, testified that all five factors pointed to the juvenile system being more suitable, saying the girl is 'capable of growth and rehabilitation'.

  • The transfer hearing took place on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • The alleged shooter's mother made comments on a now-deleted TikTok video last June.

The players

Dr. Blake Carmichael

A psychologist who testified that the teen girl should be tried as an adult, though he noted he did not conduct a full evaluation of her.

Dr. Lisa Kalich

A psychologist for the defense who testified that the teen girl should remain in the juvenile justice system, saying she is 'capable of growth and rehabilitation'.

Caleb Quick

The teenage boy whose death is at the center of this case.

The Teen Girl

The 16-year-old accused of being the getaway driver in Caleb Quick's death.

The Teen Boy

The alleged shooter, who is awaiting his own transfer hearing later this year.

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What they’re saying

“It seems pretty clear she was upset at Caleb.”

— Dr. Blake Carmichael, Psychologist

“There seemed to have been conversations and planning to startle and intimidate (Caleb). That's not a reactive, rash reaction. There was certainly some intent.”

— Dr. Blake Carmichael, Psychologist

“In my opinion, I found that each of these factors would be more juvenile leaning.”

— Dr. Lisa Kalich, Psychologist

“The victim is an alleged rapist, and the detective confirmed there are six videos...”

— The Teen Boy's Mother

“It just feels like this was all just rumors and then this is vigilante justice off of a rumor.”

— Caleb's Father

What’s next

The judge will issue a ruling on whether the teen girl should be tried as an adult or in the juvenile justice system. The teen boy accused of being the shooter is also awaiting his own transfer hearing later this year.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical questions around trying minors as adults, especially when serious allegations are involved. The testimony of psychologists is crucial in determining the appropriate justice system, though their conclusions can be influenced by the scope of their evaluations. The case has also sparked controversy over unproven allegations against the victim.