Cedric Irving Jr., 27, has been charged with the murder of Oakland football coach John Beam, who was shot and killed on the Laney College campus. Irving faces charges of murder and using a gun during the crime, with potential penalties of 50 years to life if convicted, along with enhancement charges for personally firing the weapon that caused great bodily injury and targeting a particularly vulnerable victim.
The motive for the killing has not been disclosed by prosecutors. John Beam, a respected coach known for his appearance on "Last Chance U" and his dedication to mentoring young athletes, had spoken about campus security concerns the day before his death.
He was shot in the head at the athletics field house and died from his injuries the following day. Irving was arrested shortly after the shooting with the firearm used and admitted to the act.
Police described the incident as targeted, stating Irving went to campus for a specific reason, though the exact nature of his relationship with Beam or the motive remains unclear, with Irving's brother suggesting Irving had recently lost his job and faced eviction. The shooting of Coach Beam occurred amidst a surge of gun violence in Oakland, with another student being shot at Skyline High School the same week.
This incident, along with lockdowns at Laney College, has amplified calls for accountability regarding gun violence and the accessibility of firearms. Beam's coaching career spanned decades, beginning at Skyline High School and later at Laney College, where he led teams to multiple league titles and significantly impacted the lives of numerous students.
