HOPE MILLS, N.C. — A North Carolina State Highway Patrol sergeant, facing a first-degree murder charge in the fatal shooting of an off-duty sheriff’s captain, will remain in custody after a judge denied his request for bond. Sgt. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, has claimed he acted in self-defense during the incident that took the life of Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Adam Bean, 42, on March 27.
During a recent court session, Superior Court Judge James Floyd Ammons Jr. weighed affidavits that support Oxendine’s defense but opted to keep him incarcerated without bond as the legal process unfolds. Prosecutors have indicated they will not pursue the death penalty in this case. Oxendine is scheduled to appear in court again on November 4, and the charges remain to be proven in court.
The shooting reportedly stemmed from a confrontation outside a home on Seattle Slew Lane, where both men were off-duty. Investigators revealed that the woman residing at the home had previously been engaged in long-term relationships with both men, adding complexity to the situation. While Bean had once lived with her, she had moved out in December 2022 and later rekindled her relationship with Oxendine. The judge noted that these intertwining relationships were atypical, especially considering the law enforcement backgrounds of all parties involved.
On the night of the shooting, Bean drove to the residence around 11 p.m. to speak with the woman, who initially agreed to meet but ultimately chose to remain at home. After seeing Oxendine’s vehicle, Bean reportedly became agitated. According to the woman’s account, the confrontation escalated when Bean exited his vehicle and advanced toward Oxendine, who had armed himself with a handgun. She stated that Oxendine fired warning shots into the ground before shooting at Bean as he continued to approach. Bean was found unresponsive at the scene, and CPR efforts failed to revive him.
The judge acknowledged the self-defense elements presented but emphasized that these claims did not warrant release on bond. Court documents highlighted Oxendine’s established ties to the community, his long service with the Highway Patrol, and a clean criminal record. However, Ammons ultimately had to adhere to the same legal standards applicable to anyone facing serious criminal charges.
The investigation into the shooting took several months before leading to Oxendine’s indictment. In the weeks following the incident, law enforcement described the event as stemming from a domestic dispute, indicating it did not pose an ongoing threat to the community. Additionally, evidence seized during the investigation included text messages and other communications that were said to reflect tensions surrounding the relationships among the individuals involved.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting a separate inquiry as Oxendine remains in an administrative role following the shooting. The agency has expressed its respect for the judicial process, noting the tragedy of the situation for all parties.
Capt. Bean, who dedicated nearly two decades to public safety, was recognized with a Merit Award for initiatives like a career-development program within the sheriff’s office. His background included service in the Army, where he deployed to Iraq prior to joining law enforcement.
As the case progresses, it presents contrasting narratives: prosecutors allege murder while the defense maintains self-defense was justified. The outcome of this case will hinge upon further examination of the events leading up to the shooting, including the dynamics of the relationships involved and the actions taken by Oxendine in that moment. With the next court date approaching, the details of this high-profile case continue to unfold, keeping the community on edge.