A tragic home invasion in North Carolina has claimed the life of a national kart racing champion, leaving the community in shock. Tyler Weaver, 25, was fatally shot during a brazen daylight break-in on October 24, as reported by local authorities.
The incident unfolded around 10 a.m., with the Forest City Police Department describing it as a “targeted” robbery. Weaver’s fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, was also present during the ordeal. She was held at gunpoint but managed to escape and alert emergency services, according to court documents.
In the aftermath, authorities identified the perpetrators as Quitez Watkins, 35, and Jaquavious Craig, 26. Both men, who have histories of criminal activity, evaded police for ten days before being apprehended. They now face charges of first-degree murder.
This shocking crime has not only ended a promising young life but has also sent ripples of fear and mourning through the community. Weaver’s remarkable achievements in kart racing were well-known, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.
The suspects are both repeat offenders who avoided capture for 10 days before authorities caught up with them. They were later identified as Quitez Watkins, 35, and Jaquavious Craig, 26, according to the Forest City Police Department.
Both men face charges of first-degree murder. Both have prior felony cases.
Tyler Weaver, right, poses with his late father Daniel Weaver after a national championship-winning race in 2018. (Tyler Weaver/Facebook)
Watkins, who picked up the nickname “Bando Red” in prison, was arrested Tuesday and is being held without bond, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. Despite a violent criminal history, he was out on bond in connection with a slew of pending charges in Rutherford, Cleveland and Polk Counties, court records show. He was convicted in federal court of an assault that led to someone’s death.
Craig, the alleged “mastermind” of the crime, was on probation for being a felon in possession of a firearm before the murder, according to court documents.
Tyler Weaver, left, with his mother, sister and niece in an undated family photo. (Taylor Weaver/Facebook)
Authorities did not immediately reveal why they believe Craig allegedly chose Weaver as a target.
Craig has a prior conviction of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon from 2020, according to court documents. The judge ordered him held without bail as well.
Weaver was a 2018 national champion at Maxxis Kart Racing North America. The organization called him “one of the most proud champions we’ve ever had” in a post on Facebook mourning his death.
Weaver and Quintero were expecting their first son in April 2026, according to an online obituary.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Forest City police at 828-248-5555.
