HOPE MILLS, N.C. — A confrontation outside a woman’s home in North Carolina has led to a first-degree murder charge against a former state highway patrol sergeant after a fellow law enforcement officer was fatally shot.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, was indicted by a Cumberland County grand jury in connection with the death of Cumberland County Sheriff’s Capt. Adam Bean, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Oxendine was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 9, and remained in custody as of Friday, Sept. 11, according to booking records from the Moore County Detention Center.
The case centers on an alleged romantic relationship involving Oxendine, Bean and a woman identified in a search warrant as Tara Lynn Whitman.
What Happened Outside the Hope Mills Home
Bean was killed shortly before 11 p.m. on March 27 outside Whitman’s home in Hope Mills, according to a search warrant cited by Cleveland 19.
At approximately 10:53 p.m., Whitman called 911 and reported that Bean had just been shot at the residence.
When Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. R. Wolfe arrived, Whitman was reportedly performing CPR on Bean in her front yard.
Bean suffered fatal injuries and was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to the search warrant.
Investigators said Whitman had previously been in a long-term relationship with Bean. The filing states that she moved out of their shared residence in December 2025 and had more recently resumed a romantic relationship with Oxendine.
The warrant also states that Whitman and Oxendine had been involved in a long-term relationship before her relationship with Bean.
Alleged Confrontation Over Whitman
Investigators said Bean and Whitman communicated on March 27 after Bean asked if he could come to her home so they could talk.
Whitman later allegedly changed her mind and told Bean she was staying in for the night. According to the search warrant, however, Bean went to her home anyway.
Text messages cited in the warrant reportedly showed Bean telling Whitman to come outside or that he would blow his horn and cause a scene.
When Whitman went outside, Bean allegedly appeared angry and questioned why Oxendine’s vehicle was at the residence.
According to Whitman’s account in the warrant, Oxendine then came outside and fired approximately two warning shots into the ground.
Whitman told investigators that Bean continued moving toward Oxendine before Oxendine shot him. The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting will ultimately be addressed through the criminal proceedings.
Highway Patrol Responds to Murder Charge
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that Oxendine had been criminally charged.
“The North Carolina State Highway Patrol understands that Sgt. Nekime M. Oxendine has been criminally charged,” the agency said in a statement Wednesday afternoon, according to ABC 11.
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The agency said it respects the judicial process and described the incident as difficult and tragic for everyone involved.
The Highway Patrol also said it had been conducting a separate internal investigation and that the investigation was continuing.
Oxendine remains on administrative duty pending the outcome of that internal investigation, according to the agency.
Oxendine Held Without Bond
Oxendine is currently being held without bond in connection with the first-degree murder charge. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 4, according to his booking record.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to work through the evidence surrounding the March 27 shooting, including the statements and text messages referenced in the search warrant.
The case has drawn attention because both the accused and the victim were members of law enforcement and because investigators allege that their personal relationships with the same woman played a role in the confrontation.
Oxendine has been charged, but the allegations against him remain part of an ongoing criminal case. The court proceedings will determine the facts and legal responsibility as the case moves forward.
What do you think about this case and the circumstances leading up to the fatal confrontation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.