A North Carolina Highway Patrol sergeant has been indicted in the murder of a sheriff’s captain, a killing authorities say stemmed from a years-long romantic dispute over a woman they both dated.
Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, is accused of fatally shooting Cumberland County Sheriff’s Capt. Adam Bean on March 27 outside the home of Tara Lynn Whitman in Hope Mills, following a confrontation between the two law enforcement officers. Bean was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.
Investigators detailed that escalating tensions surrounded Whitman's relationships with both men. According to search warrant filings, Oxendine displayed persistent jealousy and insecurity regarding Whitman's connection to Bean. Whitman reportedly began dating Bean in 2022 after a long-term relationship with Oxendine, though she later ended her relationship with Bean and resumed her relationship with Oxendine in December 2025.
During the time Whitman was with Bean, Oxendine exhibited increasingly concerning behavior, with Whitman and Bean describing some of his actions as "stalking" in text messages cited in the warrant. Oxendine sent messages expressing knowledge of Whitman talking to Bean and warned Bean to "get ready." He also questioned Whitman's decision to stay with Bean, demanded the truth, and claimed to know Bean's address.
Even after resuming his relationship with Whitman, Oxendine reportedly continued to express insecurity about Bean, questioning Whitman about Bean's attractiveness and accusing him of having the power to control her. Oxendine also sought reassurance about Whitman's commitment.
On the night of the shooting, Bean asked Whitman to come to his residence after work. After Whitman initially agreed but later stopped responding to messages, Bean drove to her home. He became irate upon seeing Oxendine's vehicle parked outside.
According to the warrant, Oxendine emerged from the home and fired two warning shots into the ground. Bean reportedly continued to advance toward Oxendine, who then fired two to three additional shots. Bean collapsed in the yard, and police found a handgun and magazine nearby. Oxendine has been charged with first-degree murder.
Bean had served with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years, most recently as assistant chief of detectives. He was posthumously recognized with the Merit Award for his service.