A North Carolina state trooper has been indicted for first-degree murder following a fatal shooting that unfolded in the driveway of his former girlfriend’s home, allegedly triggered by the arrival of her new partner—a sheriff’s deputy. Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, stands accused of killing Cumberland County Sheriff’s Capt. Adam Bean, 42, in Hope Mills, North Carolina, in an incident that law enforcement officials describe as the violent culmination of a yearslong love triangle between two members of law enforcement.
Background
The narrative of this case reads like a tragic script involving two high-ranking officers and one woman caught in the middle. According to a probable cause statement from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the 43-year-old woman had been in long-term relationships with both men. She initially dated Oxendine before leaving him for Bean, eventually moving in with the deputy. The relationship with Bean ended in December 2025, and the woman subsequently reconciled with Oxendine.
Investigative records reveal that jealousy had festered between the two officers for years. Text messages dating back to 2022 show Oxendine repeatedly accusing the woman of being romantically involved with Bean. In one message from that period, Oxendine allegedly wrote, "I seen u have been talking to Adam!!! Best wishes!!! Better tell that Mother F—er to get ready too!!!"
Bean, for his part, expressed suspicion of Oxendine even while they were together. In January 2023, when the woman asked Bean if he was worried about "Nick" (Oxendine), Bean replied, "Nick? No not really but it bothers me that he continually pops up." Despite these tensions, the pair moved in together until their separation roughly four months before the fatal incident.
The Investigation
The shooting occurred shortly before 11 p.m. on March 27 in the 1600 block of Seattle Slew Lane in Hope Mills. The woman told investigators that Bean had texted her earlier that evening wanting to talk, but she declined, stating she was already in bed. "F— it, I'll come to you," Bean allegedly texted in response. When she replied, "Please don't," Bean showed up anyway, threatening to blow his horn and make a scene if she did not come outside.
When the woman went out to meet Bean, she reportedly observed that he appeared "irate" and questioned why Oxendine’s vehicle was parked at the home. Oxendine then emerged from the house. Cops stated that Bean moved "aggressively" toward Oxendine. The affidavit alleges that Oxendine fired two "warning shots" at the ground, but Bean continued to walk toward him. Oxendine then allegedly fired two or three shots at Bean, causing the deputy to stumble back and collapse.
Police arrived to find the woman performing CPR on Bean, who suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced Bean dead at the scene. Oxendine remained at the location, and investigators recovered the firearm used in the shooting. The woman had allegedly deleted text messages from Bean at Oxendine's request, including messages sent after the shooting.
Key Takeaways
- Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, was indicted for first-degree murder in the death of Capt. Adam Bean, 42.
- The shooting took place on March 27 outside the home of a woman who had previously dated both men.
- Text messages revealed years of mutual jealousy and suspicion between the two law enforcement officers.
- Oxendine allegedly fired warning shots before fatally shooting Bean as the deputy approached him.
- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading the criminal case, while the Highway Patrol conducts a separate internal investigation.
- Oxendine is currently held in jail without bond.
What's Next
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed in a statement to local ABC affiliate WTVD that Sgt. Oxendine has been criminally charged. The Patrol stated it respects the integrity of the judicial process and noted that Oxendine remains on administrative duty pending the outcome of their internal investigation. "This is a difficult and tragic event for all involved," the Patrol said. Oxendine’s next court date is scheduled for Nov. 4, where further legal proceedings regarding the first-degree murder charge will take place.