Racing Star Killed in Violent Home Invasion
In a tragic incident, Tyler Weaver, a 25-year-old two-time national kart racing champion from North Carolina, lost his life during a violent home invasion. The unfortunate event took place on October 24 at Weaver’s residence in Forest City. The police, responding to a reported break-in, discovered Weaver’s lifeless body.
Weaver and his fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, were at home when the intruders forced their way in and opened fire. Weaver, who had twice won the Maxxis Kart Racing National Championship in 2018, was shot multiple times. Quintero, however, managed to flee the scene and alert the authorities. The cause of Weaver’s death was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds, and the case was ruled a homicide.
Forest City Police Chief Chris LeRoy characterized the incident as a “targeted” attack, suggesting that Weaver was the victim of a “robbery gone wrong.” The suspects, 35-year-old Quitez Watkins and 26-year-old Jaquavious Craig, fled the scene after the shooting. Arrest warrants were issued for both men three days later.
On November 3, Watkins was captured by the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, led by the US Marshals Office. Craig subsequently surrendered himself to the Rutherford County police. Both men are currently detained at the Rutherford County Detention Center without bond. Watkins and Craig have a history of criminal activity, with Watkins previously arrested for offenses including assault with a deadly weapon and drug trafficking, and Craig facing multiple felony charges in the past.
Weaver, who also worked as an electrical tradesman, was deeply mourned by his friends and family. His sister, Taylor Weaver, expressed her grief on social media, describing her brother as a “kind, beautiful soul with the biggest heart” who was taken too soon.
Weaver’s mother, Amanda Rogers, drew parallels between her situation and that of Erika Kirk, who publicly forgave her husband’s killer at his funeral. Rogers admitted to struggling with the loss of her son, who she described as having a “heart of gold.”
Maxxis Kart Racing North America paid tribute to Weaver and his late father, Danny, who passed away in September 2021. The organization praised the father-son duo for their love of racing and the pride they took in their championships.
