Trump, Melania say they are ‘heartbroken’ in signed letter to grieving family of slain Caleb Quick
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania offered condolences and support to the grieving family of a California high school senior who was allegedly gunned down execution-style outside a McDonald’s just weeks before graduation.
Caleb Quick's father revealed that the family received a letter earlier this month in an unmarked envelope bearing the presidential seal, with Trump expressing support for efforts to combat violent crime.
The 18-year-old Quick was shot in the back of the head outside a McDonald’s in Clovis in April 2025.
Prosecutors contend that rumors surrounding an alleged assault after a house party motivated the two 16-year-old suspects, Cassandra Michael and Byron Rangel, to carry out the killing.
Trump and Melania ‘devastated’ by senseless killing of Quick
In the letter, the president wrote, "Melania and I are devastated by the senseless loss of your beloved son, Caleb. We are heartbroken for your entire family."
“Please know that my Administration will never stop fighting to clean up our streets and ensure law and order in our Nation,” the letter continued.
Quick said he had written to the White House months earlier but did not expect a response. He described it as both surprising and meaningful.
"Getting a response in general was very shocking, but amazing, and also validating. My son mattered, and I feel like these laws don't give any matterness to victims. They sympathize more with criminals than they do with victims," he said to ABC 30.
Prosecutors attempt to move case to adult court
The letter arrives as legal proceedings surrounding Quick's death continue. Prosecutors recently sought to transfer the case of the alleged teen getaway driver to adult court, but were unable to do so under the provisions of California's Proposition 57.
Quick said the president's message has strengthened his resolve, along with that of dozens of other families affected by youth crime, to advocate for changes to Proposition 57.
"We're going to be protesting big time. We're going to demand change to Prop 57. No more 'we're not going to send killers to criminal courts,'" he said.
The grieving family is also waiting for a key hearing, which is expected in the coming months for the teen accused of pulling the trigger.
The upcoming hearing will decide whether the male teenage suspect should be tried as an adult. Prosecutors are expected to present nearly 15 witnesses during proceedings that could span five court days.
Caleb's father, Stephen Quick, said it was difficult to confront the person accused of killing his son.
"We're going to have to relive a couple more times, go through the whole scenario again. It's going to be tough," Stephen said, adding “he's alive and doing well, and you know my son's not here," he added.
The upcoming hearing comes less than a month after a judge ruled that a teenage girl accused of being the getaway driver in the case will not be tried as an adult.
