Tragedy struck during a North Carolina home invasion, leaving a renowned national kart racing champion dead after an armed confrontation in front of his fiancée. The incident occurred late last month, as reported by local authorities.

Authorities from the Forest City Police Department revealed that 25-year-old Tyler Weaver was fatally shot during a “targeted” robbery that unfolded at approximately 10 a.m. on October 24.

According to court records, Weaver’s fiancée, Nevaeh Quintero, was held at gunpoint during the invasion. She managed to escape and alert emergency services by calling 911.

Quitez Watkins, aged 35, and Jaquavious Craig, 26, have been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal home invasion that claimed the life of the former go-kart champion, Tyler Weaver, in his North Carolina residence.

The two suspects, both of whom have prior offenses, evaded law enforcement for 10 days before being apprehended. The Forest City Police Department later confirmed their identities as Quitez Watkins and Jaquavious Craig.

Both men face charges of first-degree murder. Both have prior felony cases.

Tyler Weaver, right, poses with his late father Daniel Weaver after a national championship-winning race in 2018. (Tyler Weaver/Facebook)

Watkins, who picked up the nickname “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 in connection with a slew of pending charges in Rutherford, Cleveland and Polk Counties, court records show. He was convicted in federal court of an assault that led to someone’s death.

Craig, the alleged “mastermind” of the crime, was on probation for being a felon in possession of a firearm before the murder, according to court documents.

Tyler Weaver, left, with his mother, sister and niece in an undated family photo. (Taylor Weaver/Facebook)

Authorities did not immediately reveal why they believe Craig allegedly chose Weaver as a target.

Craig has a prior conviction of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon from 2020, according to court documents. The judge ordered him held without bail as well.

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 post on Facebook mourning his death.

Weaver and Quintero were expecting their first son in April 2026, according to an online obituary.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Forest City police at 828-248-5555.