National Kart Racing Champion Tyler Weaver, 25, Murdered in Front of Fiancée During ‘Targeted’ North Carolina Home Invasion

A North Carolina national kart racing champion, Tyler Weaver, 25, was murdered in front of his fiancée during what authorities have described as a “targeted” home invasion in Forest City late last month. Two suspected career criminals were arrested ten days later in connection with the violent attack.

Police discovered Weaver dead on the floor of his home on October 24, after responding to reports of a break-in just before 10 a.m. According to WLOS, Weaver and his fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, were inside when two men allegedly forced their way in and opened fire. Weaver, a two-time Maxxis Kart Racing National Champion who won titles in 2018, was shot multiple times, while Quintero managed to escape and call for help. His death was ruled a homicide by multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators believe the invasion was part of a robbery that turned deadly. “It was a targeted incident,” said Forest City Police Chief Chris LeRoy, noting that Weaver appeared to have been intentionally chosen by the suspects. Warrants for their arrests were issued three days later.

Maxxis Kart Racing North America honored the decorated racer and his father, Danny, who died in September 2021.

The alleged gunmen, identified as Quitez Watkins, 35, and Jaquavious Craig, 26, fled the scene after the shooting but were captured last week. Watkins was taken into custody by the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, while Craig later surrendered to authorities in Rutherford County. Both men are charged with first-degree murder and are being held at the Rutherford County Detention Center without bond.

Court records show both suspects have extensive criminal histories. Watkins has prior arrests for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to cause serious injury, possession of a firearm by a felon, and multiple drug trafficking charges, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Craig also has a record of violent felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and felony breaking and entering. Several of his earlier cases were dismissed in Cleveland County for lack of evidence.

Quitez Watkins was captured by state and federal agents on Nov. 3, 2025.

 

Jaquavious Craig handed himself over to police after an arrest warrant was issued.

Weaver, who worked as an electrical tradesman, was remembered by family and friends as a kindhearted, talented young man whose passion for racing was matched only by his generosity. “Losing my brother has been the hardest thing we’ve ever gone through,” wrote his sister, Taylor Weaver, in a Facebook tribute. “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 a heartbreaking reflection, recalling her struggle to find forgiveness. “I recall watching Erika Kirk at her husband’s funeral say, ‘I forgive him,’ and I thought that woman has to be remarkably resilient, and I know that’s what God would want — but I don’t know how that’s even possible. My child didn’t deserve this,” she said. “He had a heart of gold, always willing to lend a helping hand. His kindness knew no bounds. I’m struggling to find the strength to get through this. I’m humbly asking for prayers.”

In a statement, Maxxis Kart Racing North America paid tribute to Weaver and his late father, Danny Weaver, who died in 2021. “Tyler and his 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 wrote. “Tyler was one of the most proud champions we’ve ever had, and his legacy will always be part of the Maxxis family. Once a champion, always a champion.”

Weaver’s murder has left both the racing community and his hometown in mourning, as family and friends demand justice for a life cut short by senseless violence.

Tyler Weaver with his father and sister before the elder Weaver’s death in September 2021.