Two men have been arrested in connection with the death of national kart racing champion Tyler Weaver, who was fatally shot during an alleged home invasion in Forest City, North Carolina.
According to a press release issued Tuesday, Nov. 4, authorities responded to a call around 9:50 a.m. on Oct. 24 and found the 25-year-old racer — a two-time Maxxis National Champion in 2018 — dead on the floor of a residence.
Forest City Police Chief Chris LeRoy told WLOS that Weaver had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. LeRoy described the incident as a “robbery gone bad,” adding that investigators believe it was a targeted attack.
In an earlier update shared with WLOS, LeRoy confirmed that Weaver’s fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, was inside the home during the invasion but managed to escape and alert police.
First responders immediately searched “the wooded area surrounding the home” for the suspects but were unable to locate them, the department said.
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Following an investigation, arrest warrants for first-degree murder were issued for Jaquavious Antwan Craig, 26, of Grover, N.C., and Quitez Lamare Watkins, 35, of Lawndale, N.C.
On Monday, Nov. 3, Watkins was captured by the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force and held without bond. That same day, Craig surrendered at the Rutherford County Detention Center.
Officials confirmed that Craig “remains in custody without bond pending his first appearance in District Court.”
“The investigation remains active, and detectives continue to pursue additional leads,” authorities said. “The Forest City Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to all the partnering agencies whose collaboration was critical in bringing this case to this stage.”
Officials further thanked the Tri-City Violent Crime Task Force, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Office, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, and Shelby Police Department for their assistance, noting that “without their support, progress would have taken much longer and delayed closure for the victim’s family.”
Their next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, according to Fox Carolina.
In the wake of Weaver’s death, Maxxis Kart Racing North America paid tribute on social media, writing,
“All of us at Maxxis Kart Racing are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Tyler Weaver, a 2018 Maxxis National Champion, at just 25 years old. Tyler and his late father, Danny Weaver, were an inseparable team — their love for racing and the pride they carried in that championship defined what this sport is all about.
Tyler was one of the most proud champions we’ve ever had, and his legacy will always be part of the Maxxis family. Our hearts are with his loved ones and everyone who had the honor of racing alongside him.”
They concluded the tribute with: “Once a champion, always a champion.”
According to his obituary, Weaver was employed as an electrical tradesman in construction. He is survived by his mother, stepfather, sisters, fiancée Nevaeh Quintero, and extended family.
