The Clovis community is reeling from the tragic loss of 18-year-old Caleb Quick, a vibrant young man whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence outside a McDonald’s restaurant on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The shooting, which occurred just before 9 p.m. in the parking lot at Willow and Nees avenues, has left family, friends, and neighbors grappling with grief and a community searching for answers as police continue their hunt for the suspect.
Caleb Quick was a senior at Clovis Online School, a charter program, and had previously attended Buchanan High School. Known for his athleticism, strong faith, and infectious enthusiasm, Quick was an active member of Clovis Hills Community Church, where he often participated in worship and connected with peers through music and fellowship. Pastor Shawn Beaty, who knew Quick well, described him as a fun-loving and strong young man who loved to worship. The church opened a prayer room on Thursday, where students and community members gathered to mourn, forming a prayer circle to honor Quick’s memory and seek solace in their shared faith.
The shooting unfolded at the Willow Station shopping center, a popular hangout spot for local teens. According to authorities, Quick had left the Clovis Rodeo earlier that evening to meet friends at the McDonald’s. At approximately 8:57 p.m., multiple 911 calls flooded the Clovis Police Department, reporting gunfire in the parking lot. Officers arrived swiftly and found Quick with at least one gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, described as an individual wearing all-black clothing, including a pullover hoodie, and carrying a handgun, fled the scene on foot. As of Friday, April 25, 2025, the suspect remains at large, and the motive for the shooting is still under investigation.
The Clovis Police Department has been working tirelessly, deploying detectives and crime scene investigators to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. The department has urged anyone with information to contact their non-emergency line at 559-324-2800 or Valley Crime Stoppers, emphasizing the community’s role in helping bring justice. Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua addressed the city’s concerns, expressing confidence in the police force’s efforts under Chief Curt Fleming. He called on residents to share any relevant information to aid the investigation, underscoring the need for swift action to restore safety and trust.
Quick’s death marks a profound loss for Clovis, a tight-knit community unaccustomed to such violence. The Clovis Unified School District, where Quick was a student, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and offering emotional wellness resources to students and families. Extra police presence was deployed across school campuses on Thursday to reassure parents and students of their safety. The district highlighted Quick’s connection to both Clovis Online School and Buchanan High, noting the ripple effect of his loss across the educational community.
This tragedy is not the first time Quick’s family has faced adversity. In April 2023, their home was damaged in a fire caused by an arson attack on an RV parked in their yard. A neighbor’s dog, Charlie, alerted the family to the blaze, allowing them to escape unharmed. The suspect in that case was apprehended and charged, but the incident left a lasting mark. The family had only recently moved back into their repaired home two weeks before Quick’s death, adding a layer of heartbreak to their ongoing recovery.
On Thursday night, a vigil was held at the McDonald’s parking lot, where a small memorial of candles and flowers now stands in Quick’s honor. Friends and classmates shared memories of his kindness and ambition, noting his dream of serving in the military. The outpouring of support reflects the deep impact Quick had on those around him, even at such a young age.
As the investigation continues, the Clovis community remains united in its grief and resolve. The loss of Caleb Quick has sparked conversations about safety, youth violence, and the need for collective action to prevent such tragedies. For now, the focus remains on supporting Quick’s family and ensuring justice is served, while his memory endures as a reminder of a life full of promise taken too soon.
