Biological mother Felicia Chandler seeks answers

FAYETTEVILLE, NC (WNCN) — The mother of 18-year-old Blake Deven drove five hours from Marshall to Fayetteville on Thursday to find answers about her missing son.

“I want answers for my child. My next step is to go to Cumberland County Social Services,” Felicia Chandler said.

She is the biological mother of Blake, whom she named Trenton Shuler at birth. He hasn’t been seen in years. Chandler told us that Avantae Deven adopted three of her sons, including Blake. The adoptive mother called 911 earlier this year to report Blake missing.

“No mother, no parent should ever have to face the police coming to their home and telling them their child is missing,” said Felicia Chandler.

According to Fayetteville police, Blake has been missing since 2022 and his sister London since 2019. This prompted investigators to search several homes related to the Deven family.

“And you’re supposed to trust these people, get them to a safe place. And you’re supposed to pray and hope that they’re safe and find out,” Chandler said.

“You just can’t really say what was going on in that house,” she added.

Chandler said the state medical examiner’s office is backlogged in processing skeletal remains found in connection with the case. She said she is trying to maintain faith that Blake is still alive.

CBS 17 has made several attempts to speak with Avantae Deven. Our calls to her door went unanswered. Fayetteville Police have not released any new details on the case.

“But I won’t give up,” Chandler said through tears.

“I want to start a petition. I want not only answers about accountability, but also changes to ensure that something like this never happens again to anyone, to any child, to any family,” she added.