Trooper Charged With Murder
North Carolina State Trooper Indicted For First-Degree Murder of Sheriff's Captain
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Key Points
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Oxendine has worked for the North Carolina Highway Patrol for 18 years, while Bean had served with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office for nearly two decades and was the agency’s assistant chief of detectives.
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The shooting occurred at Tara Whitman’s home on Seattle Slew Lane, where deputies found Bean in the front yard with blood on his chest and left arm.
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The Highway Patrol said it respects the judicial process and described the incident as “a difficult and tragic event for all involved,” while declining further comment as its internal investigation continues.
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The indictment was returned by a Cumberland County Superior Court grand jury on Sept. 8, according to court records.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges in the March 27 shooting death of Cumberland County Sheriff's Capt. Adam David Bean, 42, WWAY-TV 3 reported. Bean was found mortally wounded outside a Hope Mills home while both men were off duty. Search-warrant materials indicate Bean arrived upset after spotting Oxendine's truck at the residence, and Oxendine fired multiple shots after first shooting into the ground.
The incident involved a woman who had past romantic relationships with both officers. She was performing CPR on Bean when deputies arrived. NewsNation reported that warrants reveal the alleged love triangle backdrop to the confrontation. Oxendine is being held without bond and remains on administrative duty as the Highway Patrol conducts a separate internal investigation.
Two Veteran Officers with Decades of Service
Oxendine has served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for 18 years, while Bean brought nearly two decades of experience with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office. Bean held the rank of assistant chief of detectives at his agency. Both men were experienced law-enforcement veterans in the same region when the alleged shooting occurred.
How the Shooting Unfolded That March Evening
Deputies discovered Bean in the front yard of Tara Whitman's Seattle Slew Lane home with blood on his chest and left arm. According to search-warrant materials, Bean had arrived upset after seeing Oxendine's vehicle at the address. Oxendine first fired into the ground, then discharged several additional shots that proved fatal.
Indictment Moves Case Forward, But Guilt Remains Unproven
A Cumberland County Superior Court grand jury returned the indictment on September 8, WWAY-TV 3 reported. The formal charge means prosecutors found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. However, an indictment does not establish guilt. The prosecution must prove the first-degree murder charge beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The Highway Patrol described the shooting as "a difficult and tragic event for all involved" and said it respects the judicial process. The agency is conducting its own internal investigation separate from criminal proceedings. Officials declined further comment while that investigation continues.
Off-Duty Status and Institutional Consequences Remain Separate
Although both men were off duty when the shooting occurred, Oxendine remained a state employee. He was placed on administrative duty pending the criminal case outcome. The Highway Patrol's internal investigation can independently assess policy compliance, firearm procedures, and employment decisions regardless of how the court case resolves.
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