President Trump sends letter to father of slain Clovis teen Caleb Quick
A Clovis father whose son was shot and killed roughly 18 months ago received a letter recently from Donald Trump, with the President expressing condolences and reaffirming his position to “never stop fighting to clean up our streets.”
Stephen Quick, the father of slayed 18-year-old Caleb Quick, said he was surprised and in tears after opening a “plain, manila envelope,” that turned out to be a letter from the President.
An eagle seal through the front of the letter and Trump’s signature signed at the bottom in black ink confirmed to Quick that it was an authentic letter from the White House.
“I kind of broke down crying,” Quick said. “On the outside, there really was no indication that this was an important letter. Once I realized this was the real deal, it was very shocking but exciting.
“My son would’ve enjoyed this. He would’ve been so proud.”
Quick said he emailed Trump, hoping the President or someone in his staff would read his message.
He wasn’t sure if anyone would actually read it. And he certainly wasn’t expecting a letter from the President.
Quick said in his email to Trump that he gave a rundown of what happened to his son back in April 2025, and also expressed frustration with Prop. 57, which passed in California in 2016 and makes it difficult to try minors as adults (eliminates direct filing).
“It’s getting out of hand,” said Quick, who has demanded for Prop. 57 reform. “The number of teens murdering keeps going up.
“There’s no public safety when it comes to teen violence.”
In the letter from the White House, Trump states that “Melania and I are devastated by the senseless loss of your beloved son, Caleb, and we are heartbroken for your entire family. ...
“Your son will be held in my heart, and I promise never to forget or forgive the terrible events that took him from us.”
Quick said he plans to frame the letter from Trump and hang it in his son’s room.
“This president cares for kids,” Quick said.
Trial development
The teen accused as the getaway driver in the killing Caleb Quick denied prosecutors’ request to try a 17-year-old girl as an adult.
Fresno Police had also accused the girl of helping to plan the killing and aide its cover-up.
Her trial is scheduled to begin July 28.
Meanwhile, the boy accused of shooting Caleb has a transfer hearing scheduled Sept. 1 to determine whether he will be a tried as a minor or adult.
Quick was shot in the back of the arm at arm’s length in a parking lot near Herndon And Willow avenues in northeast Fresno, according to police.
