A North Carolina state highway patrol trooper has been charged with the murder of a county sheriff’s office captain. Nekime Matu Oxendine, 44, was indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday for first-degree murder in the death of Cumberland county Capt Adam Bean.
Capt Bean was shot and killed on 27 March at a home in the town of Hope Mills. A judge has ordered Mr Oxendine to be held without bond pending the outcome of the case.
Search warrants from May reportedly identified Mr Oxendine as a state highway patrol sergeant who, according to a witness, fired the shots. Investigators said Mr Oxendine allegedly fired several shots, striking Capt Bean, who was found in the front yard.
Court filings indicate the encounter followed years of tension involving Capt Bean, Mr Oxendine, and their relationships with Tara Lynn Whitman. Investigators stated Mr Oxendine had shown persistent jealousy and insecurity over Ms Whitman's connection with Capt Bean. Mr Oxendine remains on administrative leave.