A North Carolina home invasion turned deadly last month, leaving national kart racing champion Tyler Weaver dead in front of his fiancée, authorities said.
According to Fox News, Weaver, 25, suffered fatal gunshot wounds during a “targeted” robbery around 10 a.m. on Oct. 24, the Forest City Police Department reported. His fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, was held at gunpoint but managed to escape and call 911, according to court documents.
The suspects, both repeat offenders, evaded capture for 10 days before being arrested. They were identified as Quitez Watkins, 35, and Jaquavious Craig, 26. Both men face first-degree murder charges and have prior felony convictions.
Watkins, known as “Bando Red” in prison, was arrested Tuesday and is being held without bond, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. Despite a violent criminal history, he was out on bond for multiple pending charges across Rutherford, Cleveland, and Polk Counties. He was previously convicted in federal court of an assault that resulted in a death.
Craig, described as the alleged “mastermind” of the crime, was on probation for being a felon in possession of a firearm before the murder. He also has a prior conviction from 2020 for conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. Authorities did not disclose why they believe Craig targeted Weaver. He was also ordered held without bail.
Weaver was a 2018 national champion at Maxxis Kart Racing North America. The organization called him “one of the most proud champions we’ve ever had” in a Facebook post mourning his death.
Weaver and Quintero were expecting their first son in April 2026, according to an online obituary.
