Two males have been detained in connection with the death of a national karting champion following an alleged house invasion in Forest City, North Carolina.
Tyler Weaver, 25, who won the Maxxis National Championship twice in 2018, was discovered dead on the floor of a property on October 24 after police were dispatched to a home invasion at around 9:50 a.m., according to a news statement issued on Tuesday, November 4.
Forest City Police Chief Chris LeRoy told WLOS that Weaver died from “multiple gunshot wounds.” The police chief described the incident as a “robbery gone bad,” adding that it appeared to be a “targeted” one.
In an earlier report to WLOS, LeRoy stated that Weaver’s partner, fiancée Nevaeh Quintero, was present in the home during the invasion. She was able to flee and alert authorities.
According to the press statement, first responders investigated “the wooded area surrounding the home” but were unable to locate the suspects.
Following an investigation, arrest warrants for first-degree murder were filed for Jaquavious Antwan Craig, 26, of Grover, North Carolina, and Quitez Lamare Watkins, 35, of Lawndale, North Carolina, authorities stated.
The Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended Watkins on Monday, Nov. 3, and held him without bond; Craig surrendered the same day at the Rutherford County Detention Center.
“He remains in custody without bond pending his first appearance in District Court,” officials stated of Craig in the report.
“The inquiry is still ongoing, and police are pursuing new clues. “The Forest City Police Department expresses heartfelt gratitude to all partnering agencies whose cooperation was critical in bringing this case to this point,” they stated.
They further stated: “Without the assistance of the Tri-City Violent Crime Task Force, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Office, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, and Shelby Police Department, this progress would have taken much longer and delayed closure for the victim’s family.”
PEOPLE has reached out to the Forest City Police Department for further comment.
Their next court appearance is planned on Wednesday, November 12, according to Fox Carolina.
Following Weaver’s passing, Maxxis Kart Racing North America expressed respect via social media.
“All of us at Maxxis Kart Racing are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Tyler Weaver, a 2018 Maxxis National Champion, at just 25 years old,” they wrote in an email. “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.”
They went on to say, “Tyler was one of the most proud champions we’ve ever had, and his legacy will live on within the Maxxis family.” Our thoughts are with his family ones and everyone who had the privilege of racing with him.”
“Once a champion, always a champion,” the post read.
According to his obituary, Weaver worked as an electrical craftsman in construction. He is survived by his mother, stepfather, sisters, Quintero, and further family relatives.
