Who Is Cedric Irving Jr? Suspect Arrested in Fatal Shooting of John Beam
Oakland, California — John Beam, the widely respected Laney College head football coach and athletic director known nationwide through Last Chance U, died Friday morning from gunshot injuries sustained during a campus shooting the previous day. Beam, 66, had spent more than four decades shaping student-athletes across the Bay Area and was considered one of the most influential figures in junior college football.
The shooting occurred shortly before noon Thursday inside the Laney College fieldhouse. Investigators have described the incident as a targeted attack. Beam was rushed to Highland Hospital, where family, colleagues, and former players gathered overnight. He was pronounced dead around 10 a.m. Friday.
Early Friday morning, Oakland police announced the arrest of 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr. at the San Leandro BART station. Acting Police Chief James Beere said Irving was identified through extensive review of surveillance footage collected from homes, businesses, campus cameras, and public transit systems. A deputy recognized Irving from bus surveillance video, leading to his apprehension.
According to Chief Beere, Irving stated that he knew of Beam but had no personal or working relationship with him. Authorities emphasized that the attack was intentional and not related to robbery or random violence. Investigators also confirmed that Irving previously played football at Skyline High School, though he never played under or worked with Beam.
Police recovered a firearm believed to match the caliber of shell casings found at the scene. As of Friday afternoon, the case had not yet been submitted to prosecutors, and a motive remains unclear.
Beam’s family released a statement expressing deep grief:
“We are devastated that John Beam — our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle — has been taken from us far too soon. John dedicated his life to uplifting others through education, mentorship, and the game he loved. His loss leaves a hole in our family and in the Oakland community he served so passionately.”
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee also addressed the tragedy, praising Beam’s legacy and the rapid police response:
“Coach Beam was a giant in Oakland — a mentor, educator, and lifeline for thousands of young people. Our city is grieving alongside his family.”
The shooting occurred one day after an unrelated campus shooting at Skyline High School involving a 15-year-old victim, intensifying community concern over school safety.
Family members of Irving expressed shock at the arrest. His brother, Samuael Irving, described Cedric as once academically strong but increasingly withdrawn in recent years, adding, “The Cedric I knew wasn’t capable of murder — but the way things had been going, I honestly don’t know.”
Beam’s impact on Bay Area athletics was profound. He helped hundreds of students secure opportunities at four-year universities and, in many cases, professional careers. In 2018, he led Laney College to a national community college football championship. Former players praised his mentorship, discipline, and unwavering commitment to helping young people succeed.
Security remained heightened on campus following the incident, though officials confirmed there is no ongoing threat to students or staff. Investigators continue to request information from anyone who may have witnessed the suspect or events leading up to the shooting.
