Full Breakdown
North Carolina Highway Patrol Sergeant Indicted for Murder of Sheriff’s Captain Amid Romantic Dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
The Fatal Shooting
On March 27, 2024, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Captain Adam Bean was shot and killed outside a residence in Hope Mills, North Carolina. Bean arrived after a text exchange with Tara Lynn Whitman, who had previously dated both Bean and State Highway Patrol Sergeant Nekime Matu Oxendine. When Bean saw Oxendine’s truck at the property, a confrontation occurred. Oxendine stepped outside, fired a warning shot into the ground, then discharged two to three additional rounds that struck Bean, who collapsed in the front yard. Deputies recovered a handgun and magazine near the scene. Whitman was found performing CPR on Bean when police arrived. Bean was pronounced dead at the scene. Oxendine has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.
Background of the Romantic Dispute
The dispute centered on Whitman’s relationships with the two officers. Text messages from July 2022 show Oxendine texting Whitman, “I seen u have been talking to Adam!!! Best wishes!!!” After Whitman began dating Bean in 2022, the two ended their relationship in December 2025, and Whitman briefly reconciled with Oxendine. Oxendine continued to question Whitman’s commitment up to March 18, 2024—about a week before the shooting.
Investigation Findings
- Charges: First-degree murder (grand jury indictment).
- Weapon: Handgun with magazine recovered at the scene.
- Victim: Capt. Adam Bean, 42, with nearly two decades of service.
- Suspect: Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, an 18-year veteran of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
- Custody: Held without bond in Moore County; placed on administrative leave pending internal investigation.
- Legal Process: Court appearance scheduled for November 2024.
Official Statements & Responses
The agency said a separate internal investigation is ongoing and that Oxendine remains on administrative duty. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation confirmed its investigation was complete and that findings were turned over to a special prosecutor with the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys.
On-the-Ground Account
A Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office employee reported that Bean arrived at Whitman’s home visibly upset by Oxendine’s presence. Whitman later told authorities that Oxendine emerged from the house with a gun, fired one round into the dirt, then shot Bean multiple times. Deputies found Whitman performing CPR on Bean before the victim was declared dead.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact sequence of gunfire. Both accounts agree that Bean was struck and that a handgun was recovered, but the precise number of warning shots remains unclear. No public information has been released regarding any motive beyond the documented romantic dispute.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I seen u have been talking to Adam!!! Best wishes!!!” — Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine
What’s Next
Oxendine will remain in custody without bond until his November 2024 court appearance. The internal investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues, and the agency has indicated that no further comment will be provided pending its outcome.
