FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Prosecutors spent much of Wednesday presenting text messages and investigative evidence in the juvenile bench trial of Cassandra Michael, the teen accused of driving the getaway car in the 2025 killing of Caleb Quick.
Detectives testified about text message exchanges between Michael and co-defendant Byron Rangel before and after the shooting.
Prosecutors said messages sent before Quick’s death discussed sexual assault allegations involving him, while later messages showed the pair communicating after the shooting.
Investigators also testified Michael was interviewed days after the shooting, before she became a suspect.
According to detectives, another teen had already placed Michael inside the McDonald’s where Quick was killed, but she never told investigators she had been there or indicated she had knowledge of the shooting.
The defense questioned investigators about Michael’s Tesla, arguing there is no evidence the vehicle ever recorded video.
A detective testified investigators could not determine whether the recording system was ever activated or if any footage had been deleted.
Later Wednesday, according to Caleb Quick’s father, the court heard forensic testimony that DNA from both Michael and Rangel was found on two firearms recovered from Rangel’s home.
FOX26 was not present for that portion of the proceedings and has not independently verified the testimony.
The bench trial is scheduled to continue Thursday.