Murder Charges Filed in Shooting of Beloved Football Coach John Beam

Tue Nov 18 2025 03:27:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Cedric Irving, 27, has been charged with the murder of John Beam, a well-respected former football coach and athletic director, who was recently shot on the Laney College campus in Oakland.

John Beam, a celebrated figure in Oakland's sports community and featured in Netflix's 'Last Chance U,' was fatally shot at age 66. The accused, Cedric Irving, faces up to life in prison if convicted. Authorities highlight the troubling rise of gun violence affecting local schools following back-to-back shootings in Oakland.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A 27-year-old man has been charged with murder following the tragic shooting death of revered former football coach John Beam. Beam, who was shot in the head on Friday at the junior college campus in Oakland, succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

Cedric Irving faces a potential sentence of 50 years to life if convicted, as stated by Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson in a Monday press conference. Charges against Irving include enhancements indicating that he personally fired a weapon resulting in great bodily injury and that the victim was particularly vulnerable due to age.

John Beam, 66, was not only a football coach but also a father figure to many of his players, and his legacy was highlighted in the Netflix docuseries 'Last Chance U' during the 2020 season. After stepping down from coaching last year, he continued to serve as Laney College's athletic director.

At the press conference, District Attorney Jones Dickson spoke of Beam’s impact, declaring, 'He really is the best of Oakland — was the best of Oakland. His spirit is still here.'

Irving, who reportedly has no prior criminal record, is currently held without bail and is set to be arraigned shortly. The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office has yet to comment on the case as they have not been appointed to represent him.

In the wake of Beam’s death, Oakland has experienced heightened concern regarding gun violence, particularly after two back-to-back shootings occurred last week at local schools. These incidents prompted discussions on the need for accountability regarding gun access and the safety of children in schools.

Authorities revealed that Beam was discovered wounded during a police response just before noon on Thursday. Although initially receiving treatment, he died the next day. Irving was apprehended early Friday morning, reportedly with the firearm used in the shooting and admitted to carrying out the act.

Oakland Assistant Chief James Beere characterized the shooting as a 'very targeted incident,' although the relationship between Beam and Irving remains unclear. It is noted that Irving was familiar with the Laney campus, as his brother revealed he had lost his job due to a prior altercation and was facing eviction.

Beam's football career began at Laney College in 2004, leading into a prominent coaching role in 2012 where he achieved two league titles and saw over 20 of his players make it to the NFL. Friends and community members mourn the loss of a true pillar in Oakland's sporting community.