Neighbors share glimpse of life near the Deven family in North Carolina

Chloe Rafferty and Justin Moore

14 minutes ago

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — After Blake and London Deven's adoptive mother was arrested and charged with murder In connection with the disappearance of the two siblings, neighbors recount what it was like to live near the house.

Avantae Deven, of Fayetteville, was arrested Wednesday and charged with:

• First Degree Murder (2)
• Kidnapping
• Child abuse by neglect resulting in serious bodily injury
• Intentional child abuse causing serious bodily harm
• Destroying a body/remains hiding an unnatural death (2)

While many neighbors said they had no idea what was going on in the Deven house on Berriedale Drive, others told CBS 17 they suspected something sinister.

“It's the strangest thing I've ever heard of,” said neighbor John Whitaker, who lives next door to the house.

Although he had little interaction with Deven's adopted children, he said he never really spoke to the 63-year-old mother.

“I never see her leave or come back. I never see her. I never see her. She’s like a ghost,” he said.

CBS 17 asked Whitaker if he was surprised to see police arrest Deven Wednesday morning.

“No, I knew it was going to happen,” he said. “Just a matter of time.”

Police believe Blake Deven die of hunger while living with Avantae in their Eichelberger Drive home, just before the family moved to Berridale Drive.

“I asked [her kids] why did they move, they said we had to leave. “We were forced to leave.” I said 'okay,'” Whitaker said.

Whitaker said he couldn't put his finger on it, but he felt something serious was happening inside those four walls.

“[Avantae] won’t answer the door,” Whitaker explained. “I tried to give him mail, I got so much mail. So, I leave it there.