by North Carolina – A North Carolina community is reeling after the brutal killing of Tyler Weaver, a 25-year-old national kart racing champion, who was gunned down in front of his fiancée during a “targeted” home invasion last month.
The tragic shooting occurred on October 24 at Weaver’s Forest City home, where police discovered his body shortly before 10 a.m. after responding to a break-in call. According to WLOS, Weaver’s fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, managed to escape the scene and call for help after two armed men burst into their home and opened fire.
A Champion’s Life Cut Short
Weaver, a two-time Maxxis Kart Racing National Champion (2018), was shot multiple times and later pronounced dead at the scene. His death was ruled a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds, the Forest City Police Department confirmed.
Police Chief Chris LeRoy described the deadly encounter as a “targeted robbery gone bad,” suggesting Weaver’s home may have been singled out in advance.
Suspects Arrested After 10-Day Manhunt
Following the attack, authorities identified two suspects — Quitez Watkins, 35, and Jaquavious Craig, 26 — and issued first-degree murder warrants three days later.
Both men were captured on November 4, ending a 10-day regional manhunt. Watkins was apprehended by the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, while Craig later turned himself in to police in Rutherford County.
They are currently being held without bond at the Rutherford County Detention Center.
Violent Criminal Histories Revealed
Court records show Watkins has an extensive rap sheet, including prior arrests for assault with a deadly weapon, methamphetamine trafficking, firearm possession by a felon, and habitual assault.
Craig’s criminal history includes charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, robbery, felony breaking and entering, and assault on a female. Several of his previous cases were dismissed in Cleveland County due to insufficient evidence.
Remembering Tyler Weaver
Friends and family described Weaver as a kind-hearted young man whose passion for racing and generosity touched everyone around him.
“Losing my brother has been the hardest thing we’ve ever gone through,” his sister Taylor Weaver wrote on Facebook. “He was such a kind, beautiful soul with the biggest heart and he was taken from us far too soon.”
His mother, Amanda Rogers, shared her grief in an emotional post, reflecting on her struggle to find forgiveness and strength.
“My child didn’t deserve this,” Rogers said. “He had a heart of gold, always willing to lend a helping hand, regardless of one’s background. His kindness knew no bounds.”
A Legacy on the Track
The Maxxis Kart Racing North America organization paid tribute to the late racer and his father, Danny Weaver, who passed away in 2021.
“Tyler and his late father were an inseparable team — their love for racing and the pride they carried in that championship defined what this sport is all about,” the organization said in a statement. “Once a champion, always a champion.”
As the investigation continues, the community of Forest City remembers Tyler not only as a racing star, but as a beloved son, brother, and friend whose bright future was stolen far too soon.
How do you think local communities can better protect against violent home invasions like this? Share your thoughts in the comments at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
