Patrol sergeant accused of murdering sheriff’s captain in yearslong romantic dispute over woman they dated

North Carolina State Highway Patrol Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine has been indicted for the murder of Cumberland County Sheriff’s Capt. Adam Bean. The shooting occurred outside the home of Tara Lynn Whitman, a woman both officers had dated, following years of escalating romantic tension. Oxendine is accused of shooting Bean multiple times after Bean arrived at Whitman’s home and became confrontational upon seeing Oxendine’s vehicle.

• Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine is indicted for the murder of Capt. Adam Bean.
• The incident stems from a long-standing romantic dispute over Tara Lynn Whitman.
• Bean was fatally shot outside Whitman’s home after a confrontation with Oxendine.
• Investigators cited escalating tension, jealousy, and concerning behavior from Oxendine.
• Oxendine fired multiple shots at Bean during the confrontation.
• Bean was a 20-year veteran of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
• Oxendine has been charged with first-degree murder.