Forest City Homicide Arrests Made

Two men have been arrested in connection with a home invasion that resulted in the death of a Forest City man.

On October 24 at approximately 9:50 a.m., Forest City Police officers were dispatched to a home invasion at 114 Harris Lee Drive. Assisted by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department, officers entered the residence and found 26-year-old Tyler D. Weaver lying on the floor. Rutherford County EMS later confirmed that Weaver had died.

As the investigation progressed, detectives worked with the District Attorney’s office and developed probable cause to obtain warrants for two individuals connected to the incident. Warrants for first-degree murder were issued for 26-year-old Jaquavious Antwan Craig of Grover and 35-year-old Quitez Lamare Watkins of Lawndale.

Following the issuance of the warrants, detectives contacted the United States Marshals Office for assistance in locating the suspects, who had fled the Forest City area. On Monday, November 3, 2025, members of the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, led by the U.S. Marshals Office, apprehended Quitez Watkins without incident. He was transported to Rutherford County and is being held without bond pending his first court appearance.

On the same day, Jaquavious Craig surrendered himself at the Rutherford County Detention Center and remains in custody without bond pending his first appearance in District Court.

The investigation remains active, and detectives are pursuing additional leads. The Forest City Police Department expressed gratitude to all partnering agencies involved, including 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. Authorities noted that their collaboration was critical in advancing the case and providing closure for the victim’s family.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Forest City Police Department at 828-248-5555. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Rutherford County Crime Stoppers or via the Forest City Police Department’s mobile app.