Cumberland County woman accused of killing adopted children will face death penalty, prosecutors say

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Cumberland County woman accused of killing two of her adopted children will face the death penalty, according to new developments in court.

Avantae Deven is charged in connection with the deaths of Blake and London Deven. Investigators allege the children were abused, starved, and ultimately killed at the family's home in Fayetteville.

Authorities say after the children died, Deven attempted to conceal their bodies by using a burn pit at her home on Berridale Drive to incinerate body parts.

During a court hearing Thursday, Deven was formally appointed a capital defender. Photos from inside the courtroom show her appearance as the case moves forward.

Deven was arrested in June 2024. Her case is expected to go to trial in 2027.