A North Carolina State Highway Patrol sergeant has been indicted on a murder charge in the fatal shooting of a sheriff’s captain, a case authorities say grew out of a years-long romantic conflict involving a woman both law enforcement officers had dated.
Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, is accused of shooting Cumberland County Sheriff’s Capt. Adam Bean on March 27 outside the Hope Mills home of Tara Lynn Whitman after the two men confronted one another, according to authorities and CityView.
When officers arrived, they found Whitman attempting CPR on Bean while Oxendine stayed at the scene, search warrant records state. Bean was declared dead there, officials said.
Court filings from state investigators describe the shooting as the culmination of mounting tensions tied to Whitman’s past relationships with both men.
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Capt. Adam Bean was fatally shot on March 27 after what authorities described as a domestic confrontation. (Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office)
Investigators said Oxendine had shown ongoing jealousy and insecurity for years over Whitman’s connection to Bean.
The warrant says Whitman started dating Bean in 2022 after leaving a long-term relationship with Oxendine. She later ended her relationship with Bean and resumed her relationship with Oxendine.
During Whitman’s relationship with Bean, Oxendine’s conduct appeared to become more troubling, according to text messages referenced in the warrant. Documents say Whitman and Bean described some of his behavior as “stalking.”
“I seen u have been talking to Adam!!! Best wishes!!!” Oxendine wrote in one message.
“Better tell that Mother F—er to get ready too!!! ” he added.
Oxendine also sent messages questioning Whitman’s decision to stay with Bean, demanding to know the truth and claiming he knew where Bean lived, according to the warrant.
In December 2025, Whitman eventually resumed her romantic relationship with Oxendine, moving out of the home she shared with Bean.
FILE — The Cumberland County Jail building is pictured in North Carolina. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Capt. Adam Bean was fatally shot following a romantic dispute, authorities said. (Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)
For the next three months, however, Oxendine continued to show insecurity over Bean, asking Whitman whether Bean was more attractive and accusing him of having the power to “lure u in and out of my life on demand.” He also sought continued reassurance about Whitman’s commitment, according to the warrant
Then, on the night of March 27, Bean asked Whitman to come to his residence after work to talk. Whitman initially agreed but later stopped responding to his messages.
When Whitman did not show up, Bean messaged her, “F— it, I’ll come to you,” and threatened to blow his car horn and cause a scene if she did not come outside.
When Bean arrived, he became irate after seeing Oxendine’s vehicle parked outside, according to the warrant.
Oxendine stepped outside and fired about two warning shots into the ground. Bean continued advancing toward him, and Oxendine then opened fire two to three more times, according to the warrant.
Bean collapsed onto his back in the yard, according to the warrant. Police said they found a handgun and magazine nearby.
Oxendine has been charged with first-degree murder.
FILE — A North Carolina State Highway Patrol vehicle drives through high water. Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, a state highway patrol sergeant, was indicted in Bean’s killing. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Bean had served with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years and most recently served as assistant chief of detectives with the rank of captain.
He was posthumously recognized with the Merit Award for his outstanding service, forward-thinking leadership, initiative and lasting contributions to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
