September 14, 2026 | By: Julio Got, Luella George, Brayden Fox, Oliver Hradlidek, Ella Gembicki and Eli Maddox

This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and Flagler College’s Journalism Program.

Tamesha Beam was not a follower; she was a leader. Everyone described her as out-going, easy to talk to, and hard-working. Born in Shelby, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Francelia. To this day, the family is close and remains in the same house they all grew up in.

As a woman of faith, Tamesha was very involved in the church which included singing in the choir. Tamesha’s curiosity for God was insatiable. Fascinated by her religion, she wanted to know everything.  Described by those who knew her as a doer, she became very involved and engaged in every project she worked on. She walked through every open door, curious to learn as much as she could. She loved learning and knew that knowledge was important.

Tamesha was also passionate about basketball. Apart from playing, she was a big Los Angeles Lakers fan. Her favorite player was Kobe Bryant. Tamesha loved all kinds of music and loved to dance and sing. She especially loved R&B and hip-hop.

Tamesha’s smile and her sense of joy were infectious. Her presence was so strong, you could feel her energy in a crowded room. Tamesha’s family described the holidays as a special time as the family celebrated with large gatherings centered around holiday meals. And yet, with all of the food that they family enjoyed, Tamesha loved chicken wings the most.

Tamesha was a mother, a daughter, a sister and a fiancé, soon to be wed before her life was tragically cut short. Tamesha’s mother is grateful that her granddaughter shares some of the best qualities of Tamesha, becoming a beautiful and intelligent young woman. A college education remains in the forefront of her direction as she will be following in her mother’s footsteps.

Tamesha was always trying out new things. She was always very comfortable with what she was doing or wearing no matter what others thought. Her mother fondly remembers that Tamesha loved playing with different hairstyles and wigs. While the memories are poignant, they also make her laugh and cry. The void left by Tamesha’s absence is like a bottomless pit for every member of her family.

Tamesha was liked and loved by everyone, family, and friends alike. Outgoing, she made friends everywhere. Tamesha was popular and fun to be around at parties. She had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. Her family and friends often reflect on what Tamesha’s life would be like if she was presently alive. Her family knows that she would be an amazing mother to her amazing daughter, working hard and living her best life.

Tamesha’s daughter is slowly turning into what Tamesha once was. She is very participative within the church and reads the Bible, just like her mother did. Although the family has protected her daughter from the awful memories of her mother’s case, they know that soon she will be asking questions. When she does, the family will share what a bright, lovely, elegant and gracious woman her mother was.

Tamesha was riding as a passenger with friends from an evening out when an argument ensued. The driver pulled over to the side of the road to let two passengers out of the car, Tamesha and her sister. The driver of the car reported hearing a thud from another vehicle on the ramp but did not see Tamesha. Tamesha’s friend and sister found her body.

According to the Gastonia Police Department, 28-year-old, Tamesha Beam was found deceased early in the morning on Sunday, April 26, 2015, at approximately 5:30 A.M. She was on the side of the ramp to I-85 southbound at Cox Road at the end of the Interstate 85 entrance ramp in North Carolina. She had been a victim of an apparent hit and run.

Tamesha’s mother states, “Tamesha Marice Beam was a woman of God. She was a precious daughter, caring mother, a loving sister, and a genuine friend. Born September 13, 1987, she carried so many beautiful titles throughout her life. Even though her life was cut short 28 years, 1493 weeks, 343 months and 10,452 days, the love she gave and the memories she created will live on.”

Sometimes, when we see accidents like these on the news, we don’t stop and think about how the victim’s family is affected. There are countless people and families who are affected by incidents of hit and runs. Tamesha is loved and missed by all to this day.

---

Anyone with information concerning Tamesha Beam’s unsolved homicide is asked to call the Gastonia City Police Department at (704) 866-6880. To remain anonymous and possibly eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers of Gaston County at (704) 861-8000.

---

Please consider using the buttons below to share this case in hopes that someone, somewhere, will come forward and give this victim and family the answers they need and the justice they deserve.

If you have a loved one who is the victim of an unsolved homicide, please submit their case here for consideration in a future Cold Case Spotlight post.