Trial for Fayetteville mother accused of murdering children likely won't happen until 2027

Avantae Deven is accused of killing two of her five adopted children.

Play Video

WRAL Investigates the timeline of Fayetteville mother's murder trial

Chris Lovingood, WRAL anchor/reporter

Avantae Deven's murder trial is likely a couple years out. Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West is predicting 2027.

As for why it will take that long, West said authorities have to consider the massive amount of information being gathered in this case.

0:34

/

1:00

WRAL News Brief

Watch More

"This case has an extensive what we call an investigative file and that's what law enforcement is putting together," West said. "Any type of evidence, interviews."

West said this case is heavy and all effort is being made to ensure its handled correctly.

"This case, as far as the allegations, are certainly right up there with some of the most disturbing and unfortunately, I've seen a lot in 25 years," West said.

West expects Fayetteville police to have that investigative file to his office by June.

After that, the file is presented to a grand jury possibly by the end of summer 2025.

Then, it would go to the Superior Court and could be there for about six months. After that, a trial date would be set.

"I don't see anything that will lead to any unforeseen delays," West said. "When we come to setting the trial date, there's all kind of scheduling that goes into that sort of thing so obviously its hard to pinpoint a specific date but sometime in 2027 is realistic."

Avantae Deven case timeline: Click or tap here

Investigators said it was late 2023 when they learned Blake Deven was missing.

It wasn't until months later in March 2024 that Fayetteville police announced his disappearance.

Days after that, investigators announced Blake’s adopted sister, London was missing, too.

In April 2024, authorities found skeletal remains.

In May 2024, police arrested Avantae Deven.

In that time, investigators say they've poured hours into the case.

"We want to see justice in this case and so we're determined to do that work," West said.

WRAL Investigates reached out to Fayetteville police for this story. Police said the investigative file West mentioned is the focus right now. Fayetteville police declined an on-camera interview.

WRAL Investigates also reached out to Avantae Deven's attorney on record, but we have not heard back.

WRAL's latest documentary, "Broken: Foster Care in North Carolina" uses the Deven case as a backdrop to highlight problems in North Carolina's state's foster system. The documentary also covered Deven and how she adopted her five children.