National Kart Champion Killed in a Targeted Home Invasion in North Carolina

A North Carolina national kart racing champion was fatally shot in front of his fiancée during what police described as a “targeted” home invasion that ended in his death and the arrest of two career criminals, as reported by The New York Post.

Tyler Weaver, 25, was found dead on the floor of his home in Forest City on October 24 after police responded to reports of a break-in just before 10 a.m., according to local authorities. Weaver’s fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, managed to escape and call for help after two armed suspects allegedly entered the home and opened fire.

SAY HIS NAME: Tyler Weaver

Tyler Weaver, a 25yo man, was SHOT and KILLED during a home invasion in North Carolina.

Two men, Quitez Watkins and Jaquavious Craig, were arrested in connection with the m*urder.

Both of these men reportedly have MULTIPLE prior felony convictions,… pic.twitter.com/ObEZWt2sp0

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 7, 2025

Weaver, a two-time Maxxis Kart Racing National Champion in 2018, was shot multiple times. His death was ruled a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds.

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Forest City Police Chief Chris LeRoy told WLOS that the home invasion was a “targeted” act and appeared to be a “robbery gone bad.”

The two suspects, identified as Quitez Watkins, 35, and Jaquavious Craig, 26, fled the scene and remained at large for several days before authorities tracked them down.

Arrest warrants were issued three days after the murder, and both men were captured on October 28. Watkins was arrested by the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, while Craig later surrendered to Rutherford County police.

Both suspects have been charged with first-degree murder and are being held at the Rutherford County Detention Center without bond.

According to court documents, Watkins has an extensive criminal record, including charges for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to cause serious injury, possession of a firearm by a felon, methamphetamine trafficking, and possession of cocaine, heroin, and opium.

Craig’s criminal history includes assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony breaking and entering, and assault on a female. Some of Craig’s prior cases were dismissed in Cleveland County due to insufficient evidence.

Weaver, who also worked as an electrical tradesman, was widely remembered by friends, family, and the racing community.

His sister, Taylor Weaver, posted on Facebook, “Losing my brother has been the hardest thing we’ve ever gone through. He was such a kind, beautiful soul with the biggest heart, and he was taken from us far too soon.”

His mother, Amanda Rogers, also shared a statement reflecting on her grief, saying, “My child didn’t deserve this. 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.”

Maxxis Kart Racing North America issued a statement honoring Weaver and his late father, Danny Weaver, who died 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. 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.”

Authorities said the investigation remains active as police continue gathering evidence on the events leading up to the shooting.

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