A chilling case has emerged in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where 63-year-old Avantae Deven stands accused of murdering two of her adopted children, Blake and London Deven. The disturbing details surfaced during a press conference held by Fayetteville Police Chief Kemberle Braden on Wednesday.
Isolated and Starved
The revelations are harrowing: both siblings were allegedly kept in isolation, beaten, and starved under Deven’s care. According to Braden, investigators have gathered substantial evidence indicating that Blakes’s disappearance in 2017 ended in his tragic death from starvation and abuse.
Disappearance Leads to Gruesome Discovery
This investigation took an even darker turn when police unearthed Blake’s remains inside a metal burn barrel on April 10, 2024. These findings were confirmed by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Further skeletal remains, thought to be those of a young boy aged seven to ten, remain unidentified but are undergoing testing.
The Enclosure of Despair
Living conditions within Deven’s home were nothing short of horrific. The account provided by one of her adopted children, Bryanna Morrow (formerly Cherish Deven), paints a grim picture. In an interview with WRAL, she recounted how they had to endure days without showers, locked away in small rooms or bathrooms.
It was very horrible. There were days we didn’t go with showers. The only time we could turn on the bathroom or the sink was to get water… If we weren’t locked in a bathroom, having to use pails as the restroom. There were a lot of beatings because we would steal food just to survive.
The Aftermath and Charges
In court on Thursday, Deven was met with a list of severe charges that include two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of concealment of death, kidnapping related to London’s death, and felony child abuse concerning Blake. She currently remains detained at the Cumberland County Detention Center without bond.
Hidden for Years
The tragedy unfolded over several years; Blake was last seen in 2017 but wasn’t reported missing until January 2024 by Deven. Investigators discussed how Blake’s story evolved from being at a Buddhist retreat to later suffering through unimaginable treatment.
A Brother’s Call for Help
The case began unfolding when officers responded to a mental health call in November 2023 made by Blake’s brother. He hadn’t seen Blake in five years and noted Blake’s condition was critical before his disappearance.
Torture Confirmed
Sgt. Jeff Locklear confirmed that biological evidence corroborates claims of isolation, torture, and starvation endured by Deven’s adopted children. Blake’s body could no longer endure the torment.
The Heartbroken Biological Mother
The situation has left many devastated including Felicia Chandler, Blake’s biological mother. Speaking with WRAL, she expressed her agony saying,I really just feel like there’s more questions… I just want to see my other two boys…
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