Patrol sergeant accused of murdering sheriff’s captain in yearslong romantic dispute over woman they dated
North Carolina Highway Patrol Sergeant Indicted for the Murder of Cumberland County Sheriff’s Captain
Hope Mills, N.C. – A North Carolina State Highway Patrol sergeant has been formally charged with first‑degree murder in the death of Cumberland County Sheriff’s Captain Adam Bean, the shooting occurred outside the home of a woman with whom the two men had a long‑running romantic dispute. Authorities say the fatal incident took place on March 27, 2025, in the yard of Tara Lynn Whitman’s house in Hope Mills.
The indictment, filed with the Cumberland County Circuit Court, alleges that Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, fired a series of shots that killed Bean, the captain of the sheriff’s office who had served for twenty years. Police reports and a search‑warrant affidavit describe a confrontation in which Bean was found collapsed in the yard; Whitman was seen performing CPR on him when officers arrived. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Love Triangle That Turned Violent
Investigators say the shooting stemmed from a decades‑long romantic entanglement involving the three men. In 2022, after ending a long‑term relationship with Oxendine, Whitman began dating Bean. She later ended that relationship and returned to Oxendine. In December 2025, Whitman re‑entered a relationship with Oxendine and moved out of the home she had shared with Bean.
During the period of this renewed relationship, Oxendine’s texts to Whitman increasingly reflected jealousy and suspicion. In one message he wrote, “I seen u have been talking to Adam!!! Best wishes!!!” and added, “Better tell that Mother F—er to get ready too!!!.” Whitman and Bean had described Oxendine’s conduct as “stalking” at one point. In a separate set of messages, Oxendine questioned Whitman’s decision to stay with Bean, demanded the truth, and claimed he knew where Bean lived.
For three months leading up to the shooting, Oxendine’s communications with Whitman were marked by repeated inquiries about Bean’s attractiveness and accusations that Bean could “lure u in and out of my life on demand.” He also sought reassurance about Whitman’s commitment to their relationship.
The Night of the Shooting
On March 27, Bean asked Whitman to come to his home after work for a talk. Whitman initially agreed but stopped responding to his messages. When she did not show up, Bean texted, “F— it, I’ll come to you,” and threatened to blow his car horn and cause a scene if she didn’t come outside. He arrived at the house, reportedly irate after seeing Oxendine’s vehicle parked outside.
According to the warrant filings, Oxendine stepped outside and fired a number of warning shots into the ground. Bean, who was advancing toward Oxendine, was then shot two to three more times. Bean collapsed on his back in the yard. Police found a handgun and a magazine near the scene. Whitman was performing CPR on Bean when officers arrived.
Charges and Aftermath
Oxendine was charged with first‑degree murder, a capital crime under North Carolina law. He is scheduled for arraignment, and prosecutors have indicated that a trial may be brought before a grand jury.
Captain Bean’s death has sent shock waves through the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, where he had risen to the rank of captain and served as assistant chief of detectives for two decades. Posthumously, he was recognized with the Merit Award for his outstanding service, forward‑thinking leadership, initiative, and lasting contributions to the agency.
The case has also prompted a review of the sheriff’s office’s support systems for officers dealing with personal and professional stressors. While no direct statements from Whitman or the sheriff’s office are available at this time, the indictment underscores the tragic outcome of a prolonged personal conflict that escalated into violence.
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged anyone with additional information about the incident or the relationships involved to come forward. The case remains under close scrutiny as the legal process unfolds.
