The Fayetteville community is in shock after the arrest of Avantae Deven, who has been charged with the murder, abuse, and concealment of the deaths of her adopted children, Blake and London Deven. The arrest follows a harrowing investigation revealing years of abuse and neglect.
The investigation began in November 2023 when Fayetteville police responded to a mental health crisis call at Avantae Deven’s residence on Berridale Drive. During the visit, a person claiming to be Blake Deven’s brother revealed that he had not seen Blake in five years and recounted the last sighting involved Blake with a broken arm. This prompted the authorities to delve deeper into the situation.
Police discovered that Avantae Deven had adopted five children from three different counties in North Carolina, including three biological brothers and two unrelated girls. Interviews with the children exposed horrific tales of abuse. The children described being confined to a small, dark room, deprived of food, and forced to write apology papers to earn their meals. They also recounted severe beatings requiring medical attention.
Investigators believe that Blake succumbed to the combined effects of starvation and physical abuse. Evidence suggests that after Blake’s death, Avantae coerced someone into participating in the burning and disposal of his body at their former residence on Eichelberger Drive. Forensic evidence supported these claims.
During the investigation, police found a metal burn barrel containing the remains of two children. Lab tests identified one set of remains as London Deven, a teenager between 15 and 19 years old. London, who had special needs, was never officially reported missing by Avantae. The investigation revealed that London died similarly to Blake, from starvation and abuse, and her body was disposed of under similar circumstances.
Authorities continue to test the other set of remains to confirm their identity. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the full extent of the abuse and bring justice to all the victims involved.
The arrest and charges against Avantae Deven have left the Fayetteville community in mourning and disbelief. Chief Kemberle Braden expressed the community’s grief, stating, “Our evidence shows that both Blake and London are deceased. Their adoptive mother is the person responsible for abusing them, which included starvation, and for their deaths.”
As the investigation progresses, the community hopes for answers and justice for Blake, London, and all the children affected by this tragic case.