The quiet of a late October morning shattered in Forest City, North Carolina, leaving a national kart racing champion dead and a future dimmed by unimaginable loss. Tyler Weaver, just 25 years old, was fatally shot during a brazen home invasion, the violence unfolding before the eyes of his fiancée. The incident, described by police as a targeted robbery, stole a life brimming with promise.
Around 10 a.m. on October 24th, the peace of Weaver’s home was irrevocably broken. His fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, was held at gunpoint while Weaver was tragically killed. She bravely managed to escape the terrifying ordeal and immediately contacted emergency services, setting in motion a desperate search for the perpetrators.
For ten agonizing days, the suspects remained at large, evading capture while a community mourned and demanded justice. They were eventually identified as Quitez Watkins, 35, and Jaquavious Craig, 26. Both now face the most serious charge possible: first-degree murder.
Watkins, known on the streets and within the prison system as “Bando Red,” already carried a heavy burden of past violence. He was out on bond, facing a cascade of pending charges across multiple counties, and had previously been convicted in federal court for an assault resulting in death. His release, despite a documented history, proved devastatingly fateful.
Craig, identified by authorities as the alleged architect of the crime, was on probation for a felony firearm offense when the murder occurred. The motive behind targeting Weaver remains under investigation, a chilling question that haunts those who knew him. Court records reveal a prior conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Weaver wasn’t just a victim of senseless violence; he was a celebrated athlete. In 2018, he achieved the pinnacle of his sport, becoming a national champion with Maxxis Kart Racing North America. The organization remembered him as a champion who embodied pride and passion, a devastating loss for the racing community.
Beyond the racetrack, Weaver was preparing for another profound joy: fatherhood. He and Quintero were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their son in April 2026, a future now tragically stolen. An online obituary painted a picture of a man deeply loved and profoundly missed.
The investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone possessing information to come forward. The search for complete understanding, and ultimately, for closure, remains a priority for the Forest City Police Department.
