Avantae Deven case | New details revealed in case of North Carolina adoptive mother charged with murder; Fayetteville police ask public for help

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) – Fayetteville Police shared their latest developments in the Avantae Deven case and asked for the public's help in an interview you'll see only on ABC11.

Deven is accused of murdering and abusing two of her adopted children before attempting to hide their bodies.

Police say they are specifically looking for the fire pit they believe Deven last used at her Berridale Drive home. Police accuse her of burning body parts in it and attempting to hide them elsewhere – and police say finding that fire pit could lead to their next break.

“We were on the defensive early on in the case,” says lead investigator Sarah Shirey. “You know, we didn't know anything about these kids or this family until the police got involved. And by that point, we were already five years behind. So we're trying to catch up and figure out who these people are and who they associate with. And that's the hardest thing for us. They don't associate with anyone. They don't really have the traditional friends, the church circles, you know, the sports teams and things like that.”

Fayetteville police say Blake and London Deven – the two children allegedly killed by their adoptive mother, Avantae Deven – have not been seen since 2017 and 2019, respectively. They also say the Devens led very reclusive lives.

Police say they particularly want to know more about the fire pit Deven allegedly used to burn body parts at her Berridale Drive home.

“The Berridale Drive burn pit would allow us to collect trace evidence that would corroborate some of the witness statements we have.”

Police are also increasingly drawing attention to these nine aliases which they believe have been used over the years.

They also release a new photo of Deven from the 90s, when she performed under the names “Michelle Spiegel” and “Prentiss Adams.”

“For example, if they knew her as Kim Nelson and not as Avantae Deven, that would be huge for us. And just those interactions – did they ever see the kids with them? What did the kids look like? What was the status? You know, what were the houses like?”

Fayetteville police also announced that they have set up a new hotline specifically for this case. The number is 910-578-2697.

WATCH | Blake and London Deven Case Timeline

Fayetteville Police continue to ask the public for information that could help establish a timeline for the investigation into Blake and London's deaths.