A North Carolina kart racing champion was gunned down in front of his fiancée during a brutal home invasion — a 'targeted' attack allegedly carried out by two career criminals caught 10 days later.
Tyler Weaver, 25, was found lying lifeless on the floor of his Forest City home on Oct. 24, after police rushed to the rural property following reports of a break-in just before 10 a.m., officials said.
Weaver and his fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, were inside their home when the intruders allegedly burst in and opened fire, according to WLOS.
Tyler Weaver’s life was cut short when armed intruders stormed his North Carolina home and opened fire on Oct. 24, 2025. Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory
Weaver — a two-time winner of the 2018 Maxxis Kart Racing National Championship — was shot multiple times, but his fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, managed to escape and call police for help.
Authorities later confirmed Weaver’s death was a homicide — the result of multiple gunshot wounds.
Forest City Police Chief Chris LeRoy told reporters that the deadly home invasion was a “targeted” attack, and Weaver’s death occurred during a “robbery gone bad,” the outlet reported.
After the shooting, the suspects — 35-year-old Quitez Watkins and 26-year-old Jaquavious Craig — fled, and authorities issued warrants for their arrest three days later.
Both men were captured on Monday and have been charged with first-degree murder.
State and federal agents arrested Quitez Watkins on Nov. 3, 2025. Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
After an arrest warrant was issued, Jaquavious Craig voluntarily surrendered to authorities. Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
The Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, led by the U.S. Marshals, apprehended Watkins, while Craig later surrendered to police in Rutherford County.
Both suspects are being held at the Rutherford County Detention Center, with no bond set.
Watkins had previously been arrested on multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to cause serious injury, possession of a firearm by a felon, methamphetamine trafficking, possession of cocaine, heroin and opium, and habitual assault, according to court records.
Craig’s criminal history includes multiple felony charges, such as assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, fleeing arrest, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony breaking and entering, and assault on a woman.
In Cleveland County, North Carolina, several of his cases were thrown out after prosecutors cited insufficient evidence.
Friends and family remembered Weaver, an electrical tradesman, for his warmth and character following his tragic death.
“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.”
The decorated racer and his late father, Danny, who died in September 2021, were honored by Maxxis Kart Racing North America. Tyler Weaver / Facebook
At the time of the home invasion, Tyler Weaver and his fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, were inside their Forest City residence. Google maps
Amanda Rogers, Weaver’s grieving mother, remembered Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, delivering a powerful message of forgiveness to her husband’s assassin at the September funeral.
“I recall watching Erika Kirk at her husband’s funeral say ‘I forgive him’ and I’m thinking 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,” 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. I’m struggling to find the strength to get through this. I’m humbly asking for prayers.”
A photo shows Tyler Weaver with his mother and sister before his tragic death on Oct. 24, 2025. Tyler Weaver / Facebook
Tyler Weaver is pictured with his father and sister in a photo taken prior to his father’s death in September 2021. Tyler Weaver / Facebook
Maxxis Kart Racing North America paid tribute to the racer and his father, Danny, who passed away in September 2021.
“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,” 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.”
